Caravan & Motorhome Show preview

EVENT CITY BOOK ADVAN IN CE SAVE £££

2013 MANCHESTER 17-20 JANUARY

Huge Choice of the Latest 2013 Models

SHOW PREVIEW

Celebrity Speakers John Craven and Bill Oddie’s favourite holiday memories

Great British Escapes 100’s of ideas for the new season

Go Beyond!

Worldwide inspiration including France, Iceland, Croatia and Ireland

Get your season off to the best start...

• Over 200 exhibitors • Exciting attractions

Latest 2013 Models

Parks, Sites & Destinations

• 50 brand new companies • Great value family day out

Accessory Superstore

Free Expert Advice

Turn to the back cover for your discounted ticket offer!

WELCOME HOLIDAY INSPIRATION Be inspired by The Caravan Club’s top pet friendly club sites

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Bill Oddie’s favourite short UK breaks Welcome to the exclusive show preview of The Caravan & Motorhome Show, taking place at Manchester’s EventCity from 17-20 January 2013. The show is the perfect place for caravanners to kick-start their new season and the 2013 event is going to be packed with more holiday inspiration than ever before. This show preview will give you a taste of what to expect, showcasing a fantastic selection of caravan parks, holiday ideas, new product launches from the leading manufacturers plus our great show attractions, talks and cookery presentations.

Broadcaster & TV presenter John Craven (Saturday 19 January, 2pm) and naturalist & TV wildlife presenter Bill Oddie (Sunday 20 January, 2pm) will be speaking at the show sharing their holiday memories and inspiring your next great British adventure. Read about Bill’s top three short UK breaks on p.3 and turn to p.4 to find out more about John’s first caravan adventure and a run-in with an angry guinea fowl!

For visitors looking to discover the new season models, there will be a huge choice to compare from the leading manufacturers including Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar, Coachman, Eterniti, Hymer, Auto-Trail, Autocruise, Bürstner, Chausson, Romahome, VW and many more.

Turn to the back page for your special show offer and remember, all tickets include free parking at EventCity, free showguide, free entry to the adjoining show, The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show plus kids aged 16 and under go free!

We look forward to seeing you at the North’s biggest outdoor leisure show.

Sam North, Show Director

Capture a ‘Captivating Captivating Campsites Photo Campsite’ Competition Caravanning ticket to the great outdoors and wonderful Caravanningis isyour your ticket to the great outdoors and wonderful holiday holiday memories, so to celebrate we’ve launched the‘Captivating Campsites’ memories, so to celebrate this this we’ve launched the ‘Captivating Campsites’ Weofwant your photos of competition.

We wantcompetition. your photos incredible and inspirational views taken incredible and inspirational views taken whilst pitched up on a whilst pitched up on a caravan park. It could be a golden sunrise or sunset, a caravan park. It could be a golden sunrise or sunset, a big, blustery big, blustery orofaundulating pristine view of undulating pastures. seascape or a seascape pristine view pastures.

The nalistswill willbebe displayed a stunning photographic exhibition at the The fifinalists displayed in ain stunning photographic exhibition show, with the receiving fantastic accessories for their next at the show, withwinners the winners receiving fantasticoutdoor outdoor accessories holiday, courtesy ofcourtesy Riversway Leisure. Leisure. for their next holiday, of Riversway To enter enteryour yourfavourite favourite photos www.caravanshows.com www.caravanshows.com To photos visit visit Cover Photo: Speyside Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Top tourist attraction sites from The Camping and Caravanning Club p.4

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John Craven on his passion for the countryside Worldwide escapes await with Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome

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Parks, sites and holiday ideas at the show

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PRODUCT LAUNCHES Discover a huge choice of the top brand’s latest models and new launches

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SHOW ATTRACTIONS p.7

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Bill Oddie’s

favourite short UK breaks and wildlife spotting tips

Q

If you could take three UK short breaks in 2013, where would you head and why?

First, a wander in the Chilterns in high summer to revel in the chalk downland flowers and insects. Next, a weekend fossil hunting on The Isle of Wight, along the shoreline and at the foot of the cliffs.

Exploring Dinosaur Island can be very absorbing, especially when you find your own fossil. Finally, to The Isles of Scilly, where I’d visit Tresco for a day, but otherwise stay on another island such as St Agnes or - my favourite - Bryher.

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What’s the best time of year to camp in the UK, in order to spot wildlife?

It’s going to make a difference where you are, but I’d have to say spring, late April or early May, when nature is arriving, sprouting, growing or blossoming and bird song is at its best.

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What is your favourite resident animal that could be spotted in the North West, and when is the best time of year to spot it?

It’s a cliche I know, but it has to be red squirrel. Since they prefer conifers their visibility doesn’t vary with the seasons.

Which bird most closely reflects your personality?

A little owl. I can’t deny they have a facial resemblance. A bit scruffy and with uncombed feathers instead of hair.

Slightly plump and with big round eyes that look as if they are wearing glasses.

Character wise, they seem quite dozy and laid back most of the time but when they spring into action they are belligerent little blighters. Takes one to know one.

Meet Bill Oddie at the show on Sunday 20 January at 2pm

Top Pet Friendly Caravan Club Sites Dougal – The Club’s Canine Blogger Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site, Surrey

Malvern Hills Caravan Club Site, Worcestershire

Dougal The Club’s canine blogger reviewed this site

The Malvern Hills are the largest area of open common land in the West Midlands over 3000 acres of open space, providing good walking and wildlife viewing. The site also offers horse riding routes & excellent jumping off point for hang gliders.

Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site has a picturesque setting that you and your family will find ideal for a relaxing holiday break.

Surrounded by rolling wooded countryside and situated near the Pilgrims Way, there are many lovely walking trails - in particular across the North Downs - to explore at your leisure.

Park Coppice Caravan Club Site, Cumbria Imaginatively landscaped, Park Coppice in Coniston is set in 63 acres of beautiful National Trust woodland. With pitches grouped in open glades and fast access to the fun attractions of Coniston Water, the caravan park offers a scenic holiday getaway that will keep the whole family happy.

Pembrey Caravan Club Site, Carmarthenshire Set on the edge of a 520-acre country park, Pembrey Country Park has all the luxuries you could ever wish for. The space allows a range of outdoor sporting activities to participate in with the use of the seven-mile stretch of safe, sandy beach only a mile away. You could spend your entire holiday happily occupied within the caravan park itself and for families this may be the perfect site to spend your holidays at.

Bearsted Caravan Club Site, Kent Elegantly sloping towards open farmland, Bearsted Caravan Club Site offers the tranquillity of these open fields, one of which is a horse paddock where equine enthusiasts can enjoy the proximity of these beautiful creatures.

The Caravan Club is Europe’s premier touring organisation, representing over one million caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tenters.

Benefits of Club membership include; access to over 3000 sites and a wide range of quality products and services, including insurance, recovery/breakdown, overseas travel and technical information. The Club’s website offers comprehensive support, advice and services.

Meet The Caravan Club on stand 3-15 & 3-17

For more pet friendly Caravan Club sites visit www.caravanshows.com

Turn over for John Craven’s favourite holiday memories

John Craven on his passion for the countryside

Q

See John at the show on Saturday 19 January at 2pm What’s your earliest holiday memory?

When I was aged about four a family friend lent us a caravan for a week in a field at Eccup, just a few miles from our home in Leeds. I remember the caravan was green and I was attacked by some angry guinea fowl. I’ve distrusted them ever since.

Q

Perfect for families, this campsite has a number of beaches close by; both sandy and shingle. There are fabulous sea views from many of the pitches, and fewer caravans make for a more relaxed feel. Pets are welcome at this site, with designated dog walks available, and there is a children’s play area to keep the little ones amused too.

Do you have a favourite area of the UK for holidays and why?

Drayton Manor Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Tamworth

I have a great fondness for the Yorkshire coast, especially Whitby, where childhood holidays were spent. I love the wild countryside of Northumberland, the beauty of the Yorkshire dales, the harbour towns of Cornwall and my most recent discovery is the Rhinns of Galloway, a magnificent peninsular in south west Scotland.

Situated in the heart of Drayton Manor theme park this campsite is perfect for families who wish to make the most of this attraction. It’s also a great base for exploring Birmingham and the surrounding Staffordshire countryside. Close to Lichfield, take time to explore the beautiful cathedral, the only medieval cathedral in the country with three spires.

What is your favourite camping site?

Lots of places vie for attention but if you asked me right now where I would pitch a tent or spend a week in a caravan or mobile home it would be on a cliff top site on the Gower Peninsular in south Wales.

What are your favourite memories of presenting Countryfile?

There are so many because I have been involved with the show for 23 years. One moment I’ll never forget is a surprise arranged by the production team: the impressionist Jon Culshaw suddenly appeared behind me, looking and sounding just like me, while I was recording the 20th anniversary programme in Swaldeale. Talk about a double take! All the places I have seen and all the people I have met have more than confirmed my belief that the British countryside is the best place in the world to live, work, enjoy – and make television programmes about.

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Slapton Sands Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Devon

Nearest attraction: Woodlands Theme Park

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Top UK Campsites near Tourist Attractions

Why is the countryside such an important part of Britain’s heritage?

As I said in my recent book, John Craven’s Countryfile Handbook, we Brits have the countryside in our genes. Only a couple of centuries ago, before the Industrial Revolution, most of our ancestors lived on the land. Though eighty per cent of the population now lead urban lives many of us still care passionately about our beautiful countryside. We don’t own it (at least most of us don’t!) but we behave as though we do and rural issues have climbed much higher up the national agenda. The landscape which is often so close to our major cities isn’t just about fields, hills, woodlands and waterways. It is also about people – those who produce 60% of the food we eat, those who work in it using traditional skills or modern technology, and those who boost the rural economy by holidaying there.

The British countryside is part of our heritage – and our future.

For more UK Camping and Caravanning Club sites visit www.caravanshows.com

Nearest attraction: Drayton Manor Theme Park

Gulliver’s Milton Keynes Camping and Caravanning Club Site This is a popular campsite for families and children, with a theme park on the doorstep and plenty to do in the local area. Gulliver’s Milton Keynes theme park has been designed especially for children aged between two and thirteen and features a variety of rides, and the Dinosaur and farm park.

Nearest attraction: Gulliver’s Milton Keynes

Alton, The Star Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Staffordshire This delightful campsite in the stunning Staffordshire Peak District is situated in a quiet village just over a mile away from Alton Towers Resort - the UK’s largest theme park, which has a host of family attractions alongside a water park and spa for those who want a little peace and quiet. An ideal location for short breaks and relaxing holidays, walkers will find plenty to do here exploring the stunning countryside and moorland trails.

Nearest attraction: Alton Towers Theme Park

Weston-super-Mare Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Somerset This campsite is just a few miles from the popular seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare, perfect for visiting the coast or walking inland on the Mendip Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town also offers miles of sandy beaches; great for families and those who enjoy kite-surfing and water sports.

Nearest attraction: Cheddar Gorge

Club Show Offer!

Become a Camping and Caravanning Club member for just £40 and receive a free nights camping voucher when paying by Direct Debit! Visit the Club in Hall 1, Stand 19 to sign up and find out how to make the most of your membership - with access to over 17,000 pitches across the Club’s site network plus a huge range of worldwide camping holiday destinations. Additional member benefits include insurance, breakdown/recovery and specialist technical information. www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Meet The Camping and Caravanning Club on stand 1-19.

5 Travelling further afield…

Digital Editor Nigel Donnelly recommends his favourite overseas destinations There are plenty of people who are enthusiastic about caravans and motorhomes. We know. We are. But there are a lot more people who are passionate about amazing holidays.

We know. We are.

At Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines, we pride ourselves on enjoying the touring lifestyle to the full. That means our readers and writers trek to the furthest corners of Europe and occasionally beyond to get more from their breaks.

Here’s our top five: Arran

Eire

Our pick of Scotland’s Western Isles is compact Arran. You can drive around it in a couple of hours, but it has beautiful views, beaches and mountains within its modest confines.

Croatia Head for the sunny Istrian coast to sample stunning weather, fabulous seafood and incredible value for your touring pounds.

Iceland An awe-inspiring volcanic landscape that is better suited to motorcaravans than tourers.

A long ferry ride but you cannot get views like it any other way.

Fabulous touring destination whether in a motorhome or a caravan. The incredible backdrops of the rugged coast are in total contrast to the bustling urban charm of Dublin and both are doable in a week-long tour.

Practical Caravan magazine is the UK’s best selling caravan magazine and Practical Motorhome is the most exciting motorhome title. Both inspire and inform readers, giving advice on all aspects of touring.

Meet the Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome Team on stand 2-1.

Burgundy It’s one of France’s finest wine-producing areas, for reds and whites. Many of the châteaux are open for guided tours and tastings, so you will get to see some wonderful buildings, taste great wines and buy them too!

Parks, Sites & Destinations at the show Expert Holiday Tips Find hundreds of ideas for exploring the UK as experts from tourist boards such as Visit Guernsey and Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, as well as attractions including Cadbury World, inspire your travels.

Save Money!

Discover a host of UK parks and campsites at the show including Lyons Holiday Parks, Thornley Leisure Parks, Langcliffe Park, Northam Farm Caravan Park, Pant Mawr Park, Harrison Leisure, Best of British Holiday Parks and many, many more. There will be special offers and discounts too so grab a great deal at the show.

Overseas Inspiration Whether you enjoy taking your caravan or motorhome abroad or are just looking to explore new horizons you won’t be short of inspiration. Meet tourist boards from popular favourites including Greece, Cyprus, Croatia and Tunisia to the more exotic India, Jordan, Cuba and Taiwan.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.caravanshows.com or call 0844 873 7349

Turn over to discover a huge choice of the top brands

DISCOVER THE LATEST 2013 MODELS

Touring Caravans

Motorhomes

The show gives you the ideal opportunity to explore and compare the new 2013 models from all the leading manufacturers and enjoy special show offers and discounts. The region’s top dealerships including Glossop, Campbells, Lowdham Leisureworld and Kimberley will be on hand to help find the perfect caravan for you.

If you are a motorhome enthusiast, or are thinking of discovering the freedom that the motorhome lifestyle brings, then come along to the show and discover a huge selection of the latest models. Take advantage of the expert advice from leading dealerships including Lowdham, Spinney, Richard Baldwin, Travelworld and Emm-Bee.

Stop press!

Swift to launch new layouts at the show Swift will be launching three new twin axle layouts in the Challenger and Eccles SE ranges, giving the ultimate in space and specification, and a new family six berth layout in the Sprite range.

Stop press!

See the new Swift Escape model The new Swift Escape 644 model, priced at under £40K OTR, will be launched at the show - the 644 is a new shorter four berth ideal for families wanting a more economical motorhome.

See the latest models from these leading manufacturers:

See the latest models from these leading manufacturers:

Holiday Homes

New season accessories

There is a fantastic selection of park homes, holiday homes and lodges for you to discover at the show with the latest models from Willerby, Swift, Omar, Stately Albion, Cambrian, Prestige, BK Bluebird and many more.

There will also be a great choice of locations and holiday destination operators for those who want to know more about the benefits of holiday homes and park homes including Lake Coast & Dale, Lyons Holiday Parks, Thornley Leisure Parks, Harrisons Leisure, Holgates Caravan Parks, Mon Caravans, Brynteg Holiday Home Park and Darwin Holiday Parks.

There will be 1000s of accessories on display at the show this year giving you a huge choice of gadgets to aide your touring holidays.

Visit Riversway Leisure’s Accessory Superstore and kit yourself out with the latest products at special show prices. You will also find a great selection of awnings displayed by leading retailers including Isabella, Glossop and Khyam.

Plus, take a trip to the seaside and enjoy free rock and candy floss on the Thornley Leisure Parks stand, 3-79!

Be the first to see these exclusive show launches and book tickets today!

Visit www.caravanshows.com or call 0844 873 7349

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SHOW

ATTRACTIONS

Towcar Try Before You Buy The Caravan Club are giving you the chance to have a FREE test drive or ‘try before you buy’ of their winning cars from the prestigious Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2013.

These cars all went through vigorous testing and will be waiting for you to test their pulling power first hand.

Motorhome Manoeuvring

The Towing Experience

The Caravan Club are also giving FREE expert tuition on how to become a Motorcaravan Manoeuvring master!

FREE 15 minute caravan towing sessions will be available at the show. These are a great opportunity to get expert tuition and advice on towing a caravan safely, efficiently and economically.

Whether you are a new-comer to motorhoming, or have been behind the wheel for years, these are extremely valuable sessions that will improve your skills, iron out any bad habits, and help build your confidence.

NB: Participants in these sessions will be required to present your driver’s license.

Whether you’re a complete new-comer to the hobby, or you’re a seasoned expert with years of experience, this is a valuable session that will help you brush up on your skills and build your confidence.

For more information visit caravanshows.com

Complimentary Entry

Farmers’ Market One of the best things about touring is being able to enjoy the tastes of the unique local produce from the different regions you travel through.

Visit the Farmers’ Market and find great fresh local produce from carefully selected local farmers and producers for you to enjoy. There’s everything there including meats, cheeses, jams, chutneys, fudge, toffees and cakes. They make perfect gifts for friends and family or an even better treat to take home for yourself!

Plus, let the kids run wild in the...

KidZone

The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show

World Entertainment and Cookery Stage

Do you love discovering new cultures, indulging in unfamiliar foods and learning about different countries?

Then make sure you visit Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, located next door to The Caravan & Motorhome Show.

Speakers will include: Bill Oddie and John Craven, plus, The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club will be providing members of their hugely knowledgeable team to answer any and all of your touring queries and questions.

Pick up great holiday ideas for the UK and abroad from leading travel companies, hear celebrities,including Charley Boorman and Coronation Street’s Ryan Thomas sharing their travel tales and enjoy exclusive holiday offers.

Immerse yourself in flavours, colour and culture from around the world plus get expert advice and be inspired to discover hidden corners of our glorious country during the 2013 touring season.

O NO P FR EN W ID ON AY

If you’re bringing the kids along to the show on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, keep them happy with a visit to the Gulliver’s KidZone area. The Gulliver’s team will keep them entertained with face painting, balloon modelling and a programme of shows and activities running from 11.00am until 4.00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.

For the full entertainment and cookery timetable visit www.caravanshows.com

Turn over for your booking discount code

EVENT CITY

2013 MANCHESTER 17-20 JANUARY

Ticket prices

Every ticket includes…

Reader offer advance day pass To book quote PRCIN

£7.00*

•

Free parking at EventCity

•

Free show guide

•

Kids go free**

To book tickets visit www.caravanshows.com or call 0844 873 7349 quoting your code

•

Free entry to The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show.

Experience cultural performances and flavours from around the world and book your next overseas holiday with leading tour operators

Show information

Getting to the show

Opening Times: Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

10.00am – 6.00pm 10.00am – 8.00pm†

EventCity

10.00am – 6.00pm 10.00am – 5.30pm

Venue address: EventCity Phoenix Way Off Barton Dock Road Urmston Manchester M41 7TB

Sat-nav reference:

Road: EventCity is conveniently located close to junctions 9 and 10 on the M60, making it very accessible to car users.

EventCity has over 3000 free car-parking spaces on-site and there is additional free parking at The Trafford Centre.

M17 8AS

For more information on getting to EventCity visit

www.caravanshows.com/gettingthere

Supported by:

* Booking transaction fee applies - booking closes 16 January 2013 (9pm). KidZone open Friday - Sunday. ** Children must be aged 16 years or under to qualify for free entry. Carers accompanying a blue badge holder qualify for free entry.

Images courtesy of: The Caravan Club, The Camping and Caravanning Club, Haymarket, David Senior, Michael Taylor, A R Wright, Bob Spencer, Ian Jefferson and Phillip Adams. Information correct at time of press. † Free entry after 5pm.