DiscoverTouring Live 01

Touring

UK & OVERSEAS TOURING • COMPETITION TIME • SUMMER EVENTS

DISCOVER

CARAVAN, MOTORHOME & CAMPING INSPIRATION

ISSUE 1: JUNE 2014

LIVE!

Touring

Stunning South West Hidden Herefordshire Practical: Keeping cool Try before you buy

Reviews:

Carthago & Coachman Step by step advice

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40+ EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS ENJOY THIS SUMMER, AND MUCH MORE!

DISCOVER TOURING LIVE! | CONTENTS & WELCOME

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Welcome

o here we are! The very first issue of Discover Touring Live! The digital baby sister of our seasonal print version Discover Touring, it will enable you to stay updated with news and more exciting features in between our Spring/ Summer and Autumn/Winter printed magazines.

Discover Touring Live! is aimed at newcomers and those returning to a touring lifestyle, but more experienced tourers will always find some handy ideas here, too!

Discover Touring Live! will be published bi-monthly – in May, July, September, November, January and March – and contains, in a condensed format, all the

planning and practical advice, reviews plus touring inspiration that is loved within Discover Touring. It really will make you want to get up and go.

We’ve also introduced two new features – a comprehensive ‘what’s on’ guide to some of the very best and most exciting events coming up in the next couple of months. Plus, follow the news on travel, touring, dealers and manufacturers with our ‘LIVE! and on tour’ feature, brought to you every issue.

And, to win some goodies for a beach barbecue – take a look at our tasty competition. All together now – say, ‘Sausages’!

Caroline Mills

THINGS TO DO

ACTIVITIES

Contents 6

Get out and do something less boring instead

PLANNING & PRACTICAL

10 Try before you buy 21 Keeping your cool 12 16 22 25

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19 Country Showstopper

REVIEWS

23 Carthago and Coachman

TOURING UK & OVERSEAS Touring the South West Hidden Herefordshire Live! and on tour Touring in Normandy

N I W C KIT A PICNI 9 SEE PAG

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DISCOVER TOURING LIVE! | MEET THE TEAM Editorial Office Discovery Media group Discovery House 63 Dundale Road Tring, Herts HP23 5BX T: +44 (0) 1296 631 273 E: discoverus@dmgpublishing.co.uk W: www.discovertouringlive.co.uk Publishers Mark Galbraith, mark@dmgpublishing.co.uk and Ben Lane, ben@dmgpublishing.co.uk

Advertising Office Discovery Media group, London T: +44 (0) 208 265 9489 E: mark@dmgpublishing.co.uk Production Editor: Caroline Mills E: caroline@carolinemills.net Design: Satellite Creative Ltd T: +44 (0)1442 827768 Front cover image Trevallas Coombe on the St Agnes Heritage Coast.

Credit: ©Caroline Mills

About us Discover Touring is published by Discovery Media Group, United Kingdom. All rights in the material belong to Discovery Media Group and may not be reproduced, whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent.

The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct. All material published in Discover Touring is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The editors and publishers of this publication give no

warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.

To licence or distribute this product, please contact Mark Galbraith at the Advertising office (London) at +44 (0) 208 265 9489 or email: mark@dmgpublishing.co.uk

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ACTIVITIES | THINGS TO DO

Get out

and do something less boring instead

Stuck for an idea of what to do in June? Then look no further as Discover Touring Live! picks out the best of what’s on across the country…

Access All Areas

Open Gardens, London, June 14th and 15th.

Thanks to Open Garden Squares Weekend (OGSW), Londoners get a flash of the capital’s best green bits without, for once, the need to scale a fence. Excitingly, OGSW is back for a 16th year and returns to the capital for 2014 with a programme hotter than last summer’s heatwave.

OGSW sees London’s most luscious, leafy and often locked-down gardens open their gates to the public for one or two days only, with most hosting exclusive grounds tours and one-off workshops. Over the weekend of June 14 and June 15, exclusively for OGSW, Number 10 Downing Street and Highbury Square, home of Arsenal Football Club back in 2006, are set to scrap their customary VIP policy and let in the riff-raff. Get your Open Garden Squares ticket at www.opensquares. org and enter the ticket-holder ballot for entry into Number 10 Down Downing Street now.

Discover Where to Stay: Lee Valley Park http://www.visitleevalley.org.uk

The Festival

Glastonbury 25th to 29th June 2014. A unique feast of music set on a huge site offering a grand scale of entertainment unlike any other festival in the world. For five days the 1,100 acre Pilton farm plays host to a tented city in Somerset. As well as

music from nearly every genre imaginable on over 100 stages, there are performing arts with cabaret, theatre, circus, children’s entertainment, poetry, healing, green crafts and much more. Vibrant, spontaneous, colourful, and hugely entertaining.

Discover Where to Stay: The site itself! http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

“The music in my heart I bore Long after it was heard no more” William Wordsworth

Lake District Summer Music 2nd to 15th August. Known affectionately as LDSM, the organisation celebrates its 30th Festival and Academy in August this year. Join them to hear great music played by world masters in the renowned beauty of the Lake District.

Historic churches and halls in busy market towns offer the perfect setting for chamber music and orchestral concerts, recitals, music theatre, jazz, vocal works, pre-concert talks, and more. Enjoy opera and ballet relayed from the great opera houses in the charming and intimate Fellini’s Arts Cinema in Ambleside.

An international community grows overnight as Festival Artists and Academy students take up residence at Brathay Hall on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Discover Where to Stay: Skelwith Fold www.skelwithfold.co.uk

Top: Royal Ascot is famed for its modish race-goers.

Right top: The sights and sounds of Glastonbury Festival.

Right middle: Lake District Summer Festival Right bottom: Londoners get a flash of the capital’s best green bits without the need to scale a fence.

Horsing around…

Ascot, 17th to 21st June. The fabulously glossy, five-day flat racing “Royal Meeting” on Ascot Heath near Windsor, was established by Queen Anne in 1711. It’s famed for its modish race-goers: skirts below the knee at one end, knicker-grazing at the other, bonkers hats all round. The Queen attends daily and it features seven Group One races (flat racing’s answer to the Premier League).

Parking is £20 per day at car park 8 (a fair walk).

Discover Where to Stay: Hurley Riverside Park www.hurleyriversidepark.co.uk u

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ACTIVITIES | THINGS TO DO

Left top: White sail tips cresting the horizon of Falmouth Bay. Middle top: Man v Horse Marathon Right top: Flying Legends Air Show, Duxford Middle: At Rutland Cycling you can enjoy cycling as it was meant to be.

Bottom right: Glyndebourne Festival

Sail away

Falmouth Tall Ships regatta 28th – 31st August. The sight of white sail tips cresting the horizon of Falmouth Bay will herald a landmark moment in history when Falmouth, Cornwall and Royal Greenwich, London will together host one of the biggest international sailing events in solely English waters.

Over 40 Sail Training vessels from around the world, including a number of magnificent Tall Ships, will arrive in Falmouth for three days of festivities from 28th to 30th August before the race start on the 31st. On Sunday 31st August, the Tall Ships will pass between Henry VIII’s twin Tudor castles of Pendennis and St Mawes in a spectacular Parade of Sail to the start line in Falmouth Bay. They then head eastwards en route to the finish line just off the Isle of Wight. The ships will continue to London, sailing up the iconic River Thames to the finish port of Royal Greenwich, where they will enjoy a further five days of celebrations.

Discover Where to Stay: Veryan Camping & Caravanning Club Site, www.campingandcarvanningclub.co.uk

Cycle Rutland Water – all year round

Twenty-three miles of beautiful traffic free waterside tracks makes a day at Rutland Water a real countryside delight. Open 363 days of the year and parking is easy. At Rutland Cycling you can enjoy cycling as it was always meant to be - away from all the traffic and with the sights and sound of the countryside around you. The 23 miles of landscaped track never strays far from the waters edge, making it ideal for cycling.

Rutland Cycling, also known as Outdoor Adventure, has numerous cycle centres around the area - the main site is at Whitwell and offers much more than cycling, with a 35ft climbing wall and a high-ropes tree top assault course, you can experience the ultimate adrenalin rush.

There is a second site around Rutland Water at Normanton, which is home to bicycle brand, Giant.

The latest addition to the Outdoor Adventure family is the new cycle centre at Fineshade Woods, offering a range of cycle routes in a beautiful woodland setting.

The nearby towns of Stamford, Oakham and Uppingham are a delight to visit, too, with their coffee shops, antique shops, museums and parks. Burghley House, near Stamford, is open in the summer months, whilst the grounds are open to the public all year round.

Discover Where to Stay: Menehay Farm Touring Park www.menehayfarm.co.uk

Knackered

Man v Horse 14th June 2014. The Man v Horse Marathon began in June 1980 following a chat over a pint (or three) in the back bar of Neuadd Arms Hotel. The then Landlord, Gordon Green overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain. The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test. And so began Green Events and its first, longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, The Man versus Horse Marathon.

The course was changed in 1982 to provide a more even match between the man and the horse resulting year on year in very close finishes - sometimes with the horse winning by only a few seconds. It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse, Huw Lobb won in 2hrs and 5mins beating the fastest horse by 2 minutes. His feat was repeated 3 years later by Florien Holtinger, but the horse has remained unbeaten for the 5 years since.

Discover Where to Stay: Brecon Beacons Caravan Club Site www.caravanclub.co.uk

Magnificent men

Flying Legends Air Show, Duxford, 12th and 13th July. The Flying Legends Air Show is famous the world over for its unique presentation of historic piston-engined aircraft in rare combinations and remarkable flying displays.

Complimenting the ‘wow!’ factor in the air is the authentic 1940s atmosphere that can be experienced across the museum. It’s the closest you can get to being back at RAF Duxford in its flying heyday.

The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as iconic piston-engined aircraft from across the globe perform their breathtaking flights over IWM Duxford’s historic airfield.

Discover Where to Stay: Cambridge Camping and Caravanning Club site http://www.campingandcaravanningclub. co.uk/campsites/uk/cambridgeshire/ greatshelford/cambridge

Culture vulture

Glyndebourne Festival 17 May to 24 August 2014. The 2014 Festival will take place from 17 May to 24 August 2014 and includes three new productions: Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera, Verdi’s La Traviata and revivals of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Handel’s Rinaldo.

Discover Where to Stay: Horam Manor Touring Park www.horam-manor.co.uk u

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ACTIVITIES | THINGS TO DO

Left top: The Homecoming Scotland - Fynefest

Beer beyond the border Cheshire cheese

Nantwich Show, 30th July. Since the hugely successful 2013 Show, the Directors have been busy to ensure that Nantwich Show remains the top one day Agricultural Show in the UK, and the largest Cheese Show in the world.

The renowned Cheese Marquee is now enlarged yet again, to a colossal 80,500 sq ft to enable it to hold the world record entries of 4,286 in 2013, from some 26 countries, and the record trade exhibits. So, from Cheshire, to Wensleydale, to Stilton, to Cheese with Marmalade or even Choc Chip!!!! There will be celebrity chefs in attendance with cooking demonstrations throughout the day – come and see James Martin, Will Holland and Jonathan Harrison live at the Show.

The Show will see in excess of 400 trade stands, and will cover all requirements from clothes, tractors and crafts, and you could even treat yourself to a new car!

This year will also see the Horticulture, Floral Art, and Honey in their ringside marquee and the Home Produce, Arts and Crafts adjacent to them. For more regional shows to visit this summer, go to pages 16 and 17.

Discover Where to Stay: New Farm www.newfarmcheshire.co.uk

The Homecoming Scotland – Fynefest 13th to 15th June 2014. Over the past few years Fynefest’s reputation as one of the most popular beer festivals to attend has been spreading far and wide. From small beginnings in the brewery courtyard to a big marquee in one field and camping in another the festival has just got bigger and better. Its reputation has been built on 3 key ingredients - beer, food and music and every year they bring you the best of all three. If you’ve never been before you will find quite a few differences between this beer festival and others you may have attended. The main attraction is that you can enjoy quality craft beer, locally sourced food and excellent music in beautiful Argyll.

Discover Where to Stay: Argyll Caravan Park www.argyllcaravanpark.com

Men in lycra

The Grand Départ – Leeds to Harrogate From Saturday 5th July. It is official: The world’s greatest cycle race - the Tour de France - will start in Yorkshire on 5th & 6th July 2014 bringing millions of fans to the Yorkshire roadside to cheer on the champions of the sport.

It will be the first time Le Tour has visited the north of England having previously only made visits to the south coast and the capital. It will be a festival and a spectacle for fans and first timers alike and the hosts will give the riders, the teams and the race organisers a Grand Départ to remember. A world-class event not to be missed!

Discover Where to Stay: Another World http://www.camping-yorkshire.com

Teach the kids to swim on holiday Following on from our activity feature on watersports in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring, we received details from Haven Holidays about their Learn2Swim programme. A great introduction to water safety while

Middle top: Portsmouth marks D-Day. Right top: The Grand Départ Left middle: Haven’s Learn2Swim programme Bottom left: Cheese on display at Nantwich Show.

on holiday, over 10,000 children took part last year. Learn2Swim sessions last approximately 45 minutes and all instructors are fully STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association) qualified and follow the STA syllabus. Haven (www.haven.com) also offers free Water Confidence sessions, perfect for little ones. Most of Haven’s parks include touring facilities.

Portsmouth marks D-Day

We’ve details on page 25 of events taking place in Normandy to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day. But Portsmouth played a major part within the Normandy landings, with Southsea Seafront and Portsmouth Harbour being vital embarkation points. The city will be marking the anniversary from 3rd to 8th June with a parade on 5th June, a Remembrance Service on the 6th followed by a weekend of family entertainment and activities linked to the 1940s. Portsmouth is home to the D-Day Museum, Britain’s only museum dedicated to all aspects of the landings.

Find out more on the events at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

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Ü Want More?: You’ll find information on lots of regional agricultural shows to visit this summer, including where to stay on pages 19-20.

Ü Discover More: Keep up to date with ‘what’s on’ in between issues of Discover Touring and Discover Touring Live! on Twitter: @CoolCaravanning and @touringmag

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PLANNING | TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Try before you buy

So you’re thinking of taking the plunge, what next? You could rush out all bright eyed and bushy tailed and spend a lot of money on something that turns out to be ‘not quite right’.

Or is there another option? asks Nicky Atkinson of Bongo a Go Go.

I

m sure you’ve probably already done a lot of thinking around layouts, but have you also considered what kind of camper you’re going to be? Are you going to be an all-year-round tourer, a bit spontaneous and likely to stay away a few nights at a time?

Perhaps you’re a planner down to costing out toll road charges and estimated petrol costs and likely to make a couple of 3- or 6-week trips a year. Are you wild at heart or do you like to be on a club site to know what you’re getting each time? Answering this question will confirm your layout choices.

As always in life it’s a trade-off. If you’re going to be staying on club sites and likely to be camping for a week or less each time then is it really necessary to have a full washroom? If you’re only going to camp in the seasonal months why pay for an on-board heating solution? Also are you a cyclist or canoeist or just like to travel with a full wardrobe – what would you trade for this space?

There are 101 questions you can ask yourself. However the biggest single authenticator of your choice is to hire one before you commit to buying.

Try a ‘van first

Most dealers will rent so, having made your choice, find your hire company. Think back to the type of travelling you want to do.

Perhaps you could satisfy your spontaneity and go local or experience a longer trip on the continent. Ensure the company you choose offers full roadside assistance. Check the excess on any claim should the worst happen. Also worth checking is whether the ‘vans have Gas Certificates for peace of mind. Expect to provide both parts of your driving license and two household bills, much like hiring a car. Check if you need bedding and towels. Pack your belongings in collapsible bags so that once you’ve transferred your belongings you’re not tripping over suitcases. Allow plenty of time for the handover, and if need be prepare some questions beforehand to be sure you understand everything. A full instruction booklet should also be provided for easy reference during your trip.

go and ask the owners about it as people love talking about their pride and joy… before you know it you’ll be invited in for a cuppa.

Finally don’t forget hiring is not a substitute for test-driving the specific van you end up buying.

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Discover More:

On the road

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• What are your layout priorities? Am I

Taking a trip in a rental vehicle may present teething problems that you will have to solve, some solutions will be obvious (you need to turn the gas on at the bottle) or the solution itself could be to consider a different vehicle all together. Better you learn this now and not after forking out your hard earned cash. Use this time to chat to fellow enthusiasts; we all have war stories and clever solutions we’re happy to share.

Also, if you see a ‘van you like – don’t be shy,

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prepared to make the bed every night so I can have a bigger dining area?

Occasional guests? What about pets?

Insurance and road tax considerations.

Must-have gadgets?

What costs have you factored into your choice? If you travel to Europe frequently ferries charge by the height and toll roads by the length.

What will you do with the vehicle when you are not camping in it? Rent it out to others? Run it as an occasional second vehicle?

Will it fit on your drive? Is maintenance something you have thought about?

Are you thinking an awning solves a space problem but not sure if you can do with the faff?

Will you want to go into town often?

Do you road limitations in your area?

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Featuring One Man and His Campervan presenter, Martin Dorey Entry £6 for adults

Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June Thainstone Centre Inverurie AB51 5XZ Aberdeenshire

Children 15 and under go free!

Early Bird tickets available online at discounted price of £5 for adults. Go to: www.caravancampingshow.com

Free Campsite Main Sponsor

Follow the event on Twitter and Facebook

Sysonsby Acres Leisure Park

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18 hole par 3 Golf Course Camping available On site shop & room for hire

Book today on: 01664 567846 email: enquiries@sysonbyacres.co.uk visit: www.sysonbyacres.co.uk SYSONBY ACRES LEISURE PARK, ASFORDBY ROAD, MELTON MOWBRAY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE13 0HW

REGIONAL TOURING | SOUTHWEST

All Change

The opening of a brand new motor museum, exploring charming coastal towns and celebrating the work of one of the world’s best-loved textile designers - there’s lots to see and do in the Southwest of England.

W

hether going somewhere for the first time or revisiting family favourite tourist attractions, you'd need more than one lifetime to see all there is to see in the Southwest of England. There are, indeed, firm favourites to visit, such as the delights of Lynton and Lynmouth, but the region is constantly reinventing itself with new and refurbished attractions, ever-changing exhibitions and, of course, enough outdoor activities to try something new every day. With more campsites than any other region of the UK, the southwest is definitely a firm favourite for camping.

Family Days Out:

Haynes International Motor Museum, Somerset Originally opened in 1985, a £5 million pound investment secured the opening in April 2014 of the brand new Haynes International Motor Museum (www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk).

There are more than 400 cars and motorcycles from across the globe displayed at the Museum, dating from 1885 to the present day. Most are in working and running order, including an exact working replica of the first

production car ever made – an 1885 Benz.

The new museum, in red, black and white, is striking to look at and provides a superb display space from where to showcase the gleaming vehicles. Three new exhibition halls have been added, with each room themed, including The American Room, the Dawn of Motoring, Century of Supercars and Pre-War Classics. Though the most striking has to be The Red Room. There is plenty for children to get enthused about, whether it's the virtual reality Paint-a-Car activity or the Children's Haynes Motorland play zone. Then indulge in the new '750' café for a motoring themed drink or light bite.

Cultural Britain – History and Heritage:

Kaffe Fassett Exhibition, Avon On now until the 2nd November 2014 in Bath is The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett, an exhibition to celebrate fifty years of work by the world-renowned knitwear and textile designer, and his equally long association with the American Museum in Britain (www. americanmuseum.org), where the event is being held. When he came to live in Britain in the early 1960s, Kaffe stayed in Bath

and was much inspired by the Museum’s diverse collections – especially its many antique quilts. The exhibition showcases how Kaffe lives by his maxim to, “find colour in a grey world” and is as colourful as the dazzling pieces on display. Over one hundred sumptuous works of textile art – a kaleidoscope of knitwear, needlepoint, beading, and quilts – will be on show in this dramatic exhibition alongside vibrant mosaics and still-life paintings by Fassett. u Main image: The idyllic town of Lynmouth has, with its counterpart clifftop neighbour, Lynton, long been a firm favourite to visit.

Right top: Gleaming supercars lined up at the Haynes International Motor Museum Right middle: Claverton Manor is the home of the beautiful American Museum in Britain on the outskirts of Bath is the venue of a new exhibition celebrating the work of Kaffe Fassett. (©The American Museum in Britain) Right bottom: Baltimore Urn and Bowl still life cushions by Kaffe Fassett, exhibited at The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett exhibition in Bath. (Courtesy of Hugh Ehrman ©Kaffe Fassett Studio)

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REGIONAL TOURING | SOUTHWEST

The Great Outdoors:

St Agnes Heritage Coast, Cornwall It’s a coastline that is shaped by man, with the many chimneystacks shooting skywards that indicate a once prosperous tin mining industry. The pretty village of St Agnes was, once, at the heart of the industry and it remains a focal point today along the 11-kilometre stretch of designated heritage coastline. There are some stunning cliff-top walks, particularly around the old engine house at Wheal Coates or the ruggedness of Cligga Point. There’s good surfing at Porthtowan, southwest of St Agnes, but don’t miss the site of the old harbour at

Trevaunance Cove, which succumbed to the sea in 1916, or the gorgeous tin mining valley of Trevallas Coombe northeast of St Agnes.

There, you’ll find a quiet cove and a place to watch the Atlantic batter the rocks.

Towns and Villages:

Lynton and Lynmouth, Devon Lynton and Lynmouth (www.northdevon. com), situated on the North Coast of Devon, are within the Exmoor National Park noted for its breathtaking natural beauty and unspoilt landscape. The two towns (Lynton on the clifftop, Lynmouth spanning the River Lyn, are the perfect place from which to

access the scenic inner moor, visit historic houses, inspiring gardens, catch glimpses of the majestic red deer and the wild Exmoor ponies.

Take the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway - a unique Victorian water-powered lift that affords spectacular views as you descend.

Visit the Lynmouth Pavilion National Park Centre on the seafront to discover the fascinating history of the area and for inspiration on what to do there.

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Top: Trevallas Coombe on the St Agnes Heritage Coast.

Ü Discover Where to Stay:

Lynton Camping & Caravanning Club Site

Located right above the Exmoor coast, this is a hilltop site with stunning views from many pitches. Great for visiting Lynton and Lynmouth and the Exmoor National Park Lydiate Lane, Caffyn’s Cross Lynton, Devon, EX35 6JS Tel 01598 752379 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Brook House Inn Touring Park

Ideal for visiting the Haynes International Motor Museum at nearby Sparkford, this small touring park is located to the rear of an attractive pub, where fresh food is served daily.

Station Rd, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7PF Tel 01963 350188 www.brookhouseinn-touringpark.co.uk

Ü Discover More: www.visitcornwall.com www.visitdevon.co.uk www.visitsomerset.co.uk www.visit-dorset.com www.visitwiltshire.co.uk www.cotswolds.com

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REGIONAL TOURING | SOUTHWEST

Dune Glamping Caroline Mills goes glamping at Perran Sands Holiday Park.

D

une Glamping sounds like a new adventure sport. An adventure it certainly is; whether it's sport depends on how active you wish to be while staying at Perran Sands Holiday Park.

Run by Haven, Perran Sands is set within 500 acres of a spectacular ecological dune system close to the delightful little coastal town of Perranporth. It's a vast holiday park made up of static caravans for rent by the week, a touring park for motorhomes, caravans and tents – both bring-your-own and pre-erected – and a fantastic arrangement of glamping facilities. For those who like to camp luxuriously, there's a choice of four Mongolian yurts, ten safari tents or six Geodomes. We opted for a Geodome – and fab it was too.

A friendly welcome

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly face who directed us to Check-In, where we collected our key to the tent and were provided with a map of the park and information on everything there is on offer within the holiday park. Such is the variety, it could take an entire holiday simply to read through the selection!

The glamping facilities are completely separate from the static caravan area of the park. There's a 'private' car park close to the yurts and tents, with the area around them being traffic-free.

Our Geodome was right in amongst

the dunes, and close to the groovy 'Beach Hut'-style shower and toilet block.

Environmentally designed, there's grass on the roof and lots of well-thought-out features to save energy and enhance the surroundings rather than spoil it.

But what of our Geodome? Spacious and cosy all rolled into one. The geodesic-shaped tent provided us with a large, carpeted living area, comfy sofa (that can be made up into a double bed), dining table, fridge, small oven and hob, and a washing up and food preparation station. All the crocks, cutlery, pots and pans were provided – proper crocks, not plastic. There's a heater to ward off a chilly night if making the most of camping during the early or latter stages of the season and electric points too.

Attached to the living area were our sleeping quarters - two geodome pods, the first with two single beds and the other with a double bed. All the bed linen and duvets were provided, with the beds ready to leap into on the first night. Wow, what a great experience – camping under canvas and in a proper bed!

It's a shame to miss out on all there is to do in this lovely part of Cornwall, on the North Atlantic coast. But it is possible that you might not be able to tear yourself away from the activities available within the holiday park setting. The evening entertainment is not really our scene – but it's there every night if you want it, within a ten-minute walk of the glamping area. It does mean, however, if, like

us, you don't want it, you don't have to see it or hear it. That said, there's also indoor leisure pools, children's daytime activities and the beautiful three-mile long golden beach is just a short walk away.

Dinner time

Central to the holiday park is a small piazza with a useful supermarket, fish and chip takeaway, pizza takeaway and a couple of restaurants. We were utterly lazy one evening and made full use of the pizza delivery service – direct to your tent! But without a doubt the best food outlet is the Surf Bay restaurant – as good as any you'll find in town, within five minutes walk of the glamping area and with a great menu and attentive staff. My children loved the VW campervan parked up in the centre of the restaurant complete with surfboards – and no, it hadn’t lost its way back to the beach!

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Ü Discover More: Perran Sands Holiday Park Perranporth Cornwall, TR6 7AQ 0871 230 2760 www.haven.com/perransands

Ü Want More?

Take a look at the feature on glamping in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring.

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H O L I D AY PA R K camping

touring

pods

holiday homes

Quite simply a five star holiday

AVAILABLE

01637 875778 www.hendra-holidays.com

Hendra Holidays, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4NY

PLACE IN FOCUS | HEREFORDSHIRE

Hidden Herefordshire For scenic touring, head to Herefordshire, a land that time forgot.

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ordered by Wales to the west and the three English shires of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire, Herefordshire is one of Britain’s most rural counties. For those looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of rolling countryside with a smattering of picturesque towns and silent villages, the county is an absolute delight to explore.

To the north of the county is Mortimer Country within the Welsh Marches, an area once dominated by dynastic medieval families such as the Mortimers, the Harleys and the Wigmores (the latter two giving their name to famous streets within London). Visit this part of Herefordshire and you really are going back to a time when the area created some of the most important history within England. Wigmore Castle is one such place.

This area is superb for walking, and climbing any one of the many hills will provide you with amazing views across several counties.

Climb Hergest Ridge along Offa’s Dyke National Trail, out of the border town of Kington and you’ll be on the highest point, with spectacular views towards Wales.

Gentle hills

East Herefordshire is in the lee of the Malvern Hills, with a more gentle landscape than that of Mortimer Country. Visit Eastnor Castle for an impressive display of architecture – it’s built in exactly the way most children draw a castle – and the grounds are stunning too.

The Frome valley, south of the small market town of Bromyard, is especially picturesque but then so too is the ancient town of Ledbury. Here you’ll find superb architecture, black and white timber buildings for which

the county is renowned, and a great selection of independent shops along Ledbury’s High Street.

Golden Valley in West Herefordshire is about as far removed as everyday life can get for most people. In the shadow of the Black Mountains, it really is the place to get away from life’s stresses for a while. Switch off your mobile phone (it’s unlikely to work anyway with the lie of the land) and get back to nature with a walk along the valley or up onto the hills and explore pretty villages such as Dorstone, Bredwardine and Peterchurch.

A meandering river

The south of Herefordshire is the most popular with tourists and it’s easy to understand why. It is indeed the Wye. This spectacularly meandering river winds its way through Herefordshire (you’ll come across it in the village of Bredwardine, at the National Trust’s impressive Weir Gardens to the west of Hereford, running through the county town and beyond through the charming town of Ross-on-Wye before it turns south to border Wales and Gloucestershire. From Ross-onWye through the Forest of Dean, the river is arguably at its prettiest. Follow its route on the Wye Valley Walk, and pass the sandy red ruins of Goodrich Castle before it comes to Symonds Yat where you can pick up a canoe to enjoy being on the water rather than by its side.

For all the beautiful countryside, leave time to visit Hereford. The county town is home to the Cider Museum and the riverside cathedral, where the world’s most important medieval map, the Mappa Mundi, is displayed.

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Top: A very pastoral landscape – gently rolling hills in Mortimer Country, in the northwest of Herefordshire.

Ü Discover More: www.visitherefordshire.co.uk

Ü Discover Where to Stay: Poston Mill:

Set in the beautiful Golden Valley next to the River Dore, there is plenty of gentle scenery to admire and plenty of activities on site. Open all year.

Peterchurch, Golden Valley, Hereford, HR2 0SF Tel 01981 550225 www.bestparks.co.uk

Broadmeadow Caravan & Camping Park:

A 5-star rated tourist park brimming with first-class facilities and thoughtfully landscaped. Situated very close to the centre of Ross-on-Wye, it is perfect for visiting the Wye Valley.

Broadmeadows, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7BW Tel 01989 768076 www.broadmeadow.info

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Dumfries & Galloway. Uncover masterpieces among our historic landscapes.

WIN A LUXURY BREAK

TO DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Drumlanrig Castle, near Thornhill.

Historic Castles

Inspiring Art

With grand historic attractions, sweeping panoramic landscapes and sensational artistic creations, you are sure to uncover culture, history and the great outdoors on a break to Dumfries & Galloway.

Experience it for yourself VisitScotland is offering you the chance to WIN a two-night stay for two at the award-winning Blackaddie Country House Hotel, Sanquhar.

A member of Luxury Galloway, the hotel is set amidst two acres of secluded gardens, and offers a fantastic setting for your lavish break.

What’s more, you’ll savour a Fine Dining Dinner in the hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant during your stay.

Beautiful Landscapes

Blackaddie Country House Hotel, Sanquhar.

Your prize also includes a guided tour of the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle; home to an impressive art collection including masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Old Lady Reading. With the option to delve into the Castle’s history, soak up the culture with The Buccleuch Collection, or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, you are sure to discover your own brilliant moments.

Share your Dumfries & Galloway #brilliantmoments

Dumfries & Galloway. A place for brilliant moments.

visitscotland.com/brilliantdiscover Terms & Conditions: Open to UK, CI, IoM and RoI residents aged 18 or over. Draw closes for receipt of all entries 05.06.14. Limited to one entry per person. No purchase necessary. Prize: 1 x 2-night stay for 2 adults at Blackaddie Country House Hotel, Sanquhar. Stay is on a bed and breakfast basis with 1 x Fine Dining Dinner up to the value of £104 per couple. Prize also includes a guided castle tour of Drumlanrig Castle. Prize valid until 30.09.14, subject to availability. To enter and for full terms and conditions go to www.visitscotland.com/brilliantdiscover Promoter: VisitScotland, Edinburgh EH6 6JH

Dometic air conditioners - rooftop and under-bench

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ACTIVITIES | REGIONAL SHOWS

Country Showstopper Within weeks the enthusiasm that grips the agricultural community will overflow into the many regional shows on offer across our nation. Bekah Mardall of Campsite Chatter picks out some of the best.

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ducational, fun, often quirky and always surprising, rural regional shows provide fabulous family days out. Shop, gawp, eat and drink your way to the heart of the region you are visiting by making an agricultural show the centrepiece of your touring holiday.

Royal Highland Show

19th-22nd June 2014 For the King of Scottish regional shows, it has to be a visit to The Royal Highland Show.

This show oozes Scottish pride, celebrating local skills and traditions with relish. Pack your camera to snap up icons of Highland life, many of them of the hairy, horned varieties. And the good news for families is that in spite of the many high-octane activities laid-on, under 16s go free, ensuring that you have more to spend on the delicious food and drink in the characteristically Scottish larder of the food halls.

Stay at Linwater Caravan Park just a few miles from the showground, set in rolling farmland west of Edinburgh. It’s a small, peaceful site with level, spacious pitches and an excellent amenities block, including disabled facilities.

Brecon County Show

Saturday 2nd August 2014 The Brecon County Show, a microcosm of mid-Wales culture, really does have its roots entwined in the history of the local area.

Think sheep-shearing competitions, equine events, poultry and dog shows. With displays of vintage and modern farming contraptions alongside main-ring high jinks, young and old will be kept entertained.

Stay at 5-star Bishop’s Meadow Caravan Park set in the halcyon magic of the Brecon countryside, and enjoy its excellent facilities and warm welcome. It even has a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Royal Cornwall Show

5th-7th June 2014 Set in the stunning terrain of the Camel estuary, The Royal Cornwall Show is a mecca for rare breeds of every imaginable domestic animal. The event is famous for the blooming ingenuity of its Flower Show and the delicious abundance of its foodhalls: just surrender yourself! With thick and fast main ring entertainment this exciting eclectic mix of traditional countryside pursuits and ultramodern shenanigans will render everyone

happily frazzled by the end of the day.

Stay at Dennis Farm Campsite on the banks of the estuary with spectacular views and stroll along the coastal path to pretty Padstow. This site even has its own slipway so you can launch yourself on windsurfers, dinghies and fishing boats at high tide. u Top: Visiting one of the regional rural shows, such as the Royal Highland Show, is lots of fun for all the family and a great way to get to know an area. ©Royal Highland Show Right top: Rare breed Cotswold Sheep on display at The Cotswold Show. ©Caroline Mills Right bottom: The Royal Highland Show is one of the highlights of the Scottish calendar. ©Royal Highland Show

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ACTIVITIES | REGIONAL SHOWS

Ü Discover More: www.royalhighlandshow.org www.breconcountyshow.co.uk www.royalcornwallshow.org www.bathandwest.com www.cotswoldshow.co.uk www.cumberlandshow.co.uk www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk www.newforestshow.co.uk Use CampsiteChatter.com to find your ideal pitch near the places and activities that make you tick; share stories and experiences of your touring holidays on the forums and plan your trip using venue searches and cycle route maps.

Bath and West Show

28th-31st May 2014 For the wow-factor of exciting main ring performances The Bath and West Show is a good choice. Of course livestock still lies at the heart of the show but there’s also plenty of oooh-ahhh. Foodies, listen up! The Bath and West Show hosts entries for the British Cheese Awards as well as hosting the biggest cider (well, of course) competition in the country. So that’s lunch sorted, then! The green-fingered among you will head to the talks and demonstrations on offer in the specialist garden zone.

Stay at Batcombe Vale Campsite, a small site just down the road, offering individual grass pitches with electric hook-ups. Coarse fishing is available on site, there are free rowing boats and 120-acres in which to have a picnic. Perfick.

The Cotswold Show

5-6th July 2014 The Cotswold Show is busting at the seams with demonstrations of country pursuits, from chain-sawing competitions, to clay pigeon shooting and archery. It also describes itself as a ‘food festival’ with three joined marquees of food and drink stands showcasing locally produced artisan scrumptiousness. For the youngsters, there’s all the fun of the fair plus a few more unusual activities; why not try tree-climbing classes?

Stay at Mayfield Park, a medium sized family-run site spread generously over 12

acres of gently sloping countryside yielding excellent views. Its level hard-standing pitches and a full gamut of facilities sit on the edge of the Churn Valley.

Cumberland Show

14th June 2014 If you’re touring the Lake District then a stop en-route to visit the Cumberland Show could be the cherry on the cake. A long-standing show in its 176th year, this event wears its pride on its sleeve, demonstrating the skills built up over generations. It’s great fun too: where else will you see Shetland Pony Grand Nationals and brute-force battles between local wrestling teams? And, to make your smile widen further, kids go free.

Stay at Dalston Hall Holiday Park for easy access from the M6. Cyclists will love the proximity to The Cumbrian Way. This is by no means a basic site, with a lively clubhouse and on-site restaurant; the washrooms are likely to rival those at home.

Derbyshire County Show

22nd June 2014 The Derbyshire Show retains much of its local flavour with the laid-back intimacy of a bygone era still intact. This event is a mecca for all things horsey. Classes commence at dawn with horses of all shapes, sizes and breeds competing. See vintage cars buffed to perfection. Kids will love the abundance of animals – who would have guessed that rabbits come in so many varied breeds!

Stay at Shardlow Marina, an unusual site with a bar and restaurant situated on the River Trent. Into fishing? Pack your rod!

The New Forest Show

29-31st July 2014 If you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and get involved, then throw yourself into the hand-on approach of the New Forest Show.

We’re betting that very few of you have ever bid for a pig at an auction? How about traditional sheep handling through the mind and legs of a collie? Thought not! The ‘Discovery Zone’ is ideal for kids offering plenty of fun and challenging forest activities.

Stay at Setthorns Caravan and Camping Site providing secluded and private pitches amidst oak and pine woodland at the heart of the New Forest National Park. This isn’t a small site but it prides itself on its peacefulness, space and back-to-nature feel.

There are no showers or toilet blocks on this site so bringing your own chemical toilet is essential.

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Left top: Discover rare and local breeds of domestic animals at regional agricultural shows, which often give a region its character. ©Royal Highland Show Middle top: Stay at Setthorns Caravan & Camping Site, tucked in amongst the trees while visiting The New Forest Show.

Right top: Head to a marquee for floral displays – and judging of the best potato! ©Caroline Mills

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20

PRACTICAL | KEEPING COOL

Keeping your cool According to the Met office, the next few months could be the ‘hottest ever recorded’ in the UK. If this turns out to be the case (fingers crossed) then you may need a little extra help keeping cool this summer. Alan Diamond from Dometic Group offers some advice.

F

itting an air conditioning unit is the obvious choice but with so many to choose from, which one should you go for?

Rooftop air conditioning is the easiest to fit and offers more of a space-saving option as the unit sits on top of the 'van.

These are designed to fit into the standard Heki roof-light, work on 230v power and are hermetically sealed, which means no servicing is required.

You will need to ensure that your 'van can take the weight of the unit (one of the lightest on the market is the Dometic Freshjet at 22kg). Generally, motorhomes have no issue with the roof weight but older caravans will need to be checked. Newer caravans tend to be much stronger and several manufacturers now offer reinforced roofs and cable guttering for even easier fitting.

Model choice will depend on the overall size and space of the 'van; the larger the 'van the bigger capacity unit required. This in turn will mean a heavier roof-load and also more current consumption.

Powering up

Current consumption may also be a factor.

Some campsites only offer a 6 amp hookup facility, which will give you a limited appliance use. Check with the manufacturer of the unit though all Dometic options

are under the 6-amp consumption figure and the larger units feature a unique ‘soft start’ function that ensures easy start up on campsites with low hook-up power.

Another rooftop option is to introduce an air conditioning unit that has an integrated roof-light so enabling you to keep the natural light in your 'van, such as the Dometic Freshlight. These tend to require a slightly larger cutout from the roof so it would be recommended to check suitability prior to purchasing.

Underbunk

If rooftop air-conditioning is not an option for your 'van or you do not have the roof space, then an under-bunk air conditioning unit could be the answer. These are lightweight and hidden from view with individually placed air outlets that can be customised to your own vehicle.

For motorhomes, if you would like the air conditioning to work whilst driving, an optional DC kit can be added to ensure that your living space is the right temperature upon arrival. Check with your dealer to find out which DC kit you need.

Awning

So the 'van is cool indoors, but what of staying cool outdoors? Add an awning and you'll be in the shade for as long as you want.

Top: Keeping cool this summer doesn’t have to mean keeping the doors and windows open all night long, though an awning provides some shelter from a sweltering sun while spending time outdoors.

Right bottom: Rooftop fitted air conditioning units are space saving and easy to fit.

Ü Discover More: For further information and all of the features of the nine air-conditioning units from Dometic, plus weights and power consumption figures, download ‘Find the right air conditioner’ booklet from the Dometic website.

Dometic offer a 3-year warranty with all units fitted by the Dometic Motorhome Centre dealer network.

Dometic UK Ltd www.my-caravanning.com

Ü Want More?

Check out the feature on caravan and motorhome awnings in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring.

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21

LIVE! and on tour

TRAVEL | NEWS The new brand is operating with a recently acquired ship, Etretat. Facilities and space onboard are limited compared to the company's cruise ferry services but still include a bar, small boutique and move lounge in addition to free Wi-Fi internet access. There is also a self-service restaurant serving hot and cold dishes.

New Marquis branch officially open for business

Caroline Mills keeps you up to date with all the touring news to make your travels even better…

Low cost ferries to France and Spain

Marquis South Yorkshire, part of the UK's largest dealer network and retail arm of the Auto-Sleepers Group, was officially opened last month by The Mayor of Rotherham, bringing the company's dealer network to eleven nationwide.

Since acquiring the South Yorkshire site in January, the existing staff, under the guidance of Marquis Lancashire General Manager Lee Morley, have worked tirelessly to establish the branch as one of the busiest within the network. Significant investment has been made in both the premises and staff with further improvements scheduled as the branch continues to grow.

For more information, visit www. marquisleisure.co.uk.

Auto-Sleepers has launched a new mobile version of their website so that motorhome enthusiasts can now keep up to date with the latest news, model launches and dealer events. Your smart phone will automatically direct you to the new mobile site next time you log on at www.auto-sleepers.com.

In brief…

Spring/Summer 2014 issue, Blair Castle in Scotland, as the ancestral home of the Murray Clan, is inviting all Murrays to visit for free during the Year of Homecoming.

Congratulations to Wiltshire’s Bowood House and Gardens (featured in the Spring/ Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring), which has won the very prestigious Garden of the Year Award 2014 sponsored by Christie’s. The Award, presented annually by the Historic Houses Association, is now in its 30th year and celebrates some of the country’s most spectacular gardens.

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Clearly too much hassle to export your own ‘van to the USA, hit the open road with a touring holiday organised by long-haul specialist Hayes & Jarvis (www. hayesandjarvis.co.uk). Working with rental company, Cruise America, they have a great selection of self-drive flights/rental packages, from the spectacular California coastline to the historic ‘Route 66’.

Is your name Murray? Featured in our

Seeing red

Wow, what a stunner! Wellhouse Leisure has been creating some special editions of its new Ford Terrier campervan – and one of them is a dazzling red number named 'Rosso'. The 'van made its debut at the National Motorhome Show in Peterborough last month and incorporates colour-coded high-gloss interior furniture and black leather upholstery. The first off the production line was sold straight from the showground!

Look out for a full review in the July issue of Discover Touring Live!

Left top: Etretat, Brittany Ferries’ new ship will run its no-frills économie service.

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It's not often that you actually wish to stop off at motorway services but the brand new Gloucester Services (www.gloucesterservices. com), which opened at the beginning of May, is different! Run by the same family company behind Tebay Services in Cumbria, you'll find a very decent farm shop selling local produce with a traditional butcher's counter and a café serving genuinely homemade food, again, sourcing produce from within a few miles. Gloucester Services are on the M5 northbound between junctions 12 and 11A.

And Auto-Sleepers go mobile

Ferry company Brittany Ferries (www. brittanyferries.com) has recently introduced a new no-frills service linking Portsmouth to Le Havre in Normandy and Santander in northern Spain. Branded Brittany Ferries économie, customers can travel at low-costs without the cruise-style experience normally provided by Brittany Ferries.

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Motorway services worth stopping for

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There’s even a campsite in the grounds.

Visit several historic properties while on tour in a specific region and the costs soon add up. Purchase a Hudson’s Heritage Explorer Pass (www.hudsons-explorer.com) and you’ll gain free entry to 150 heritage attractions for time-limited periods between 3 and 28 days. Attractions include iconic heritage sites, specialist museums, and independent historic houses.

I recommended the Moselle Wine Route in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring as a fantastic road-based tourist trail to follow. Now you can follow the Moselle on foot (and still use your ‘van as a base) with the new ‘Moselsteig’ long distance trail through the valley. What a great opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine.

Right top: The new Gloucester Services includes a farm shop and butcher’s counter selling locally sourced produce.

Right bottom: The special edition Rosso Ford Terrier campervan from Wellhouse Leisure.

Left bottom: Bowood House and Gardens have just been awarded the Garden of the Year Award 2014.

Middle bottom: Welcome all Murrays. Enjoy a free visit to your ancestral home, Blair Castle.

Ü Discover More: Keep even more up to date with travel and touring news from Caroline in between issues of Discover Touring and Discover Touring Live! on Twitter: @CoolCaravanning

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22

REVIEW | CARTHAGO MALIBU

A touch of the Exotic

All images: Malibu 600 campervan

Once a child of The Eighties, now Malibu has grown up to become its own brand of campervan.

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alibu was the campervan model of choice during the 1980s, with thousands of vehicles hitting the road. Now 'Malibu' has become a completely new subsidiary of the renowned German A-Class manufacturer, Carthago. With two models, the 600 and 640 (the 600 reviewed here), the Malibu is all grown up, distinguished and with technical refinements.

Exterior: In white with iron-grey

graphics, the exterior is stylish but not, perhaps, striking. Add the optional metallic paint however – with a choice of black, iron grey, red, 'lago' blue or aluminium grey – and you'll find that the Malibu is quite a head-turner.

Living & Sleeping: It's the quality of

the internal manufacture and design that makes the Malibu stand out. Carthago is synonymous with luxurious quality and this comes across in the Malibu models too. The shorter, six-metre 600 model contains a large and very comfortable transverse rear double bed with sprung slats, while the slightly longer (6.36m) 640 model includes two rear single beds. Up front is the lounging and dining area. Here, the table can be removed for outdoor use or extended to feed four reasonably comfortably. Both cab seats swivel while the couch seat includes 3-point seatbelts. An optional extra will turn the couch into a single bed. The fabric used on the upholstery feels luxurious enough, but there is an option to upgrade to a leather interior.

Kitchen: Space given over to provide

a larger seating area means that there's compromise to create a smaller kitchen area.

Compact it may be but with clever design, it still packs a lot in. The offside kitchen includes a two-burner hob and a very small sink, plus a pop-up preparation space while the removable sink cover acts as a chopping board or turns into a shelf above. Below are three very large drawers plus an overhead cupboard. An 80-litre fridge is included, but there is no grill or oven.

Washroom: For a van conversion, the

washroom, between the bed and living area, offers lots of space, with separate shower and toilet sections. The sink is tiny but usable.

Ü Technical Specifications Base vehicle chassis: Fiat Ducato 2.3l 130bhp (150bhp & 180bhp options) Mass in Running Order (MIRO): 2,745kgs (600) 2,805kgs (640) MTPLM: 3,300kgs (600) 3,500kgs (640) Max Payload: 555 (600) 695kgs (640) Exterior Length: 6.0m (600) 6.36m (640) Body width: 2.05m Height: 2.6m Berths: 2 (optional 3-berth) Designated travel seats: 4 Cost: £41,990 (600) £45,750 (640)

Storage: With the rear double bed in

the 600, there is masses of storage space beneath, enough to include folding chairs or bikes. Overhead lockers around the bed and a half-length wardrobe provide sufficient clothing space for two, and there are a couple of useful corner holders for books and drinks. The kitchen also includes an overhead cupboard suitable for crockery while the couch seat utilises a convenient drawer system so that you don't have to remove the upholstery cushions to access each time.

Final Say…

It is the attention to build quality that stands out in both Malibu models. With a bright and light interior, it's fun to be in and is a great space within which to enjoy touring.

Ü Discover More: Malibu (Carthago) www.carthago.com www.carthago-malibu.com

Ü Want More?

The Malibu was highlighted in our feature on kitchens, in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring.

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23

REVIEW | COACHMAN VISION 640/6

Perfect Vision

Ü Technical Specifications Mass in Running Order (MIRO): 1,512kgs MTPLM: 1,690kgs Max Payload: 178kgs Interior Length: 6m

Body width: 2.26m Overall Height: 2.6m Berths: 6 Awning size: 1045cm Cost: £19,295

Coachman has come up with an eight-model range of affordable caravans designed with family living in mind. Discover Touring Live! casts an eye over the Vision 640/6.

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oachman's vision was to create a brand new range of caravans designed from the ground up to be lighter than any model that they've made before, without cutting corners or compromising on quality.

Their new Vision range is most definitely a winner.

Exterior: There are caravans that look old,

even though they're new. And then there's the Vision 640/6. It, like its seven siblings, looks fresh and modern with its rounded acrylic capped ABS front panel and its three opening picture windows. Add to that a similar rear panel, silver alloy wheels and Grade Three insulation for year-round use and you'll be spending more time outside admiring your view of the Vision.

Living & Sleeping: The Vision really does live up to its name with a light, bright and airy nature, helped by the pale ash effect furniture and the large rooflight above the living area. In the 6-berth 640 the seating area matches that of the other seven models with ultra-comfy cushions that make up into aluminium-framed front beds (two singles or a massive double) with sprung slats. Two 620mm bunks are suitable for younger children (but would not be large enough for fully-grown teenagers), while a dinette area – perfect for use as a workstation as the remainder of the family 'lounge' – can be made into a further single with the option of a made-up bunk above.

Kitchen: The kitchen area is a real pleaser

in the 640/6 with a 'full-size' kitchen that's larger and better equipped than some apartments. A Thetford Capric full-size oven, grill and 4-ring hob (including gas and electric rings), with a 113-litre colourcoordinating black Thetford fridge plus microwave will allow a large family to eat well. There's plenty of preparation space and enough room for everyone to help with the washing up!

Washroom: We were very impressed with the rear washroom, which feels home-fromhome with a domestic style bathroom door, large Belfast sink and lots of room to store toiletries or 'bath' a young family.

Storage: With lots of overhead lockers

in the living area, plenty of cupboard space in the kitchen and a full-length wardrobe in the washroom, you'll be able to put away sufficient clothing for a fortnight's family holiday – if you can get the kids to pick their clothes up off the floor!

Final Say…

Whether touring with a young family or grandparents babysitting the grandkids, this really is a great family 'van. The Vision 640/6 may have an affordable, entry-level price, but you wouldn't know with the quality and specification. It's a great 'van to tour with – and if there's a rainy day to contend with, strike up the Pioneer CD player with iPod/ MP3 connection.

Top left: Comfortable seating in the living area and at the half-dinette, which can double up as a workstation.

Top right: A luxurious rear washroom includes a Belfast sink.

Bottom right: The bunks are suitable for young children but may not be wide enough for teenagers.

Ü Discover More: Coachman Caravan Company Ltd Tel 01482 839737 www.coachman.co.uk

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24

OVERSEAS | NORMANDY

Norman Conquest

Almost close enough to touch, Normandy is a great introduction to touring France. Caroline Mills reveals why.

T

hanks to a certain Norman invader who became King of England, Britain has strong links with Normandy and much of the British countryside looks the way it does because of William. Now it’s British holidaymakers that invade one of France’s most northern regions – in their droves – partly because of its proximity to Britain and ease with which to get to Normandy, but largely because of its picturesque, rural nature, attractive towns and villages and plenty to see, do and eat.

Normandy, on the north coast of France, is actually divided into two regions – Haute Normandie and Basse Normandie and five administrative départements or areas. Each area has its own distinct character – Calvados, for example, is spectacular for its food and drink, with a winning combination of cheese, cider and Calvados (apple brandy) produced in the area. Its beautiful, rolling countryside is consequently filled with orchards, in particular the Pays d’Auge where many well-

known cheeses also come from, such as Pont L’Evêque and Livarot (Camembert is a little further south). With some of the prettiest towns and villages in France (try Beuvronen-Auge and Lisieux), Calvados is one of the most popular areas of Normandy, especially the charming coastal town of Honfleur, where flower-decked restaurants grace the edges of the harbour. Both the campsite and motorhome aire are within a few yards of the town centre.

West of Honfleur on the Côte Fleurie are the upmarket holiday resorts of Trouvillesur-Mer and Deauville; both were popular with the French Impressionist painters who have a long association with Normandy.

Another popular haunt of the Impressionists is the Côte D’Albatre (Alabaster Coast) within the Seine-Maritime region to the northeast.

Fécamp and Étretat are often seen on canvas while nearby Dieppe, is a superb place to visit for a seafood supper.

The attractive town of Bayeux, to the west

of Caen, is home to the Bayeux Tapestry, the incredible stitch-by-stitch pictorial interpretation of the Battle of Hastings, where the British association with the Normans ‘began’. William the Conqueror’s Birthplace is the castle in the small town of Falaise, open to visitors.

The Cotentin Peninsula, making up much of the département Manche, has a scenic coastline to explore, from the Pointe de Barfleur in the east to the windswept and wild Cap de la Hague tipping into the Atlantic Ocean on the west. Follow the roads south and you’ll come across attractive u Main image: The beach at Arromanchesles-Bains, scene of 70th anniversary commemorations. © www.calvados-tourisme.com Inset: The monastic island of Mont St Michel lies in the vast Baie du Mont St Michel close to the regional border with Brittany.

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OVERSEAS | NORMANDY little towns like Coutances, slightly inland but with an impressive cathedral, Granville and Avranches that are both on the coast.

Avranches is a great place from which to view Mont St Michel and the ecologically important bay within which the monastic island sits. Mont St Michel is reached west of Avranches and eco-walks out into the vast bay are a popular way of viewing the island.

Inland Normandy includes the delightful area known as the Suisse Normande, where a ridge of steep hills provide gorgeous views of the river valleys below. The largest city within this predominantly rural region is Rouen, a definite must see destination. Here you’ll encounter the might of the River Seine as it passes through prior to its entry into the English Channel (other great spots from which to view the River are the Pont de Brotonne and spectacular Pont de Normandie between Rouen and Le Havre), the cathedral, which was painted in numerous guises by Claude Monet (his spectacularly beautiful house and gardens at Giverny are south of Rouen), and the spot where, rather gruesomely, Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Whatever your reason for visiting, you’ll find the region an absolute delight to discover, with quiet roads and lots of aires and campsites.

T

Top middle: The stunning gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Try to visit as the gardens open to avoid large coach loads of tourists.

Left bottom: The lily pond in Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny was used in many of his paintings.

Right middle: The Impressionist artist Claude Monet regularly painted Rouen’s impressive cathedral.

70 years on Of great significance in 2014 is the 70th anniversary of the D-day landings – on 6th June. These took place on the Normandy beaches north of Caen and Bayeux, codenamed Omaha, Sword, Gold, Utah and Juno. There are numerous monuments and memorials along the coast but focal points for World War Two commemorations are Bayeux, Arromanches-les-Bains and Ouistreham, where an international ceremony will take place. The wider Calvados area will be holding 27 official ceremonies and an incredible 1,090 special events to mark the occasion between May and September, from wreath-laying ceremonies to concerts and firework displays, museum talks and walks to giant beach picnics.

Ü DIscover More: www.normandie-tourisme.fr www.normandy-dday.com www.the70th-normandy.com

Ü Getting There: Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.com) sails from Portsmouth to Le Havre, Caen (Ouistreham) and Cherbourg and Poole to Cherbourg.

Condor Ferries (www.condorferries.com) also sail from Portsmouth to Cherbourg from May to September.

DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk) sail from Newhaven to Dieppe and Portsmouth to Le Havre.

An alternative is to use the Dover-Calais route. Driving from Calais takes approximately one hour to northeast Normandy and is very easy to navigate on the A16/A28.

Ü Want More?

Want more? Have a look at the Route du Cidre, a signposted tourist trail within out feature on Food and Drink Trails in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring.

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debbie&andrew’s Perfect Pork & Egg Pastie •

9 medium eggs (it’s important they’re not large) 8 Perfect Pork or Perfect Cumberland sausages from debbie&andrew’s 6 spring onions, finely sliced 2 x 500g blocks frozen shortcrust pastry, defrosted plain flour, for dusting brown sauce or piccalilli, to serve

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hether it is in the garden, on the beach or at the campsite, eating outside makes even the most delicous food taste better. debbie&andrew’s sausages are the perfect food for the outdoors. For this seaside picnic on the Sussex coast at Chichester, we took along debbie&andrew’s Perfect Pork & Egg Pasties (see recipe below) which are an ideal snack on their own, or can be served with salad for a more substantial meal.

New Perfect Cumberland Sausages

Just in time for summer entertaining, debbie&andrew’s has introduced new Perfect Cumberland Pork sausages. These meaty sausages use the most succulent of pork mixed with pink and green peppercorns to give an extra exotic spicy flavour. They are ideal for a barbeque in the back garden, a picnic by the seaside or for cooking around a campfire.

Method 1.

2.

3.

SET SUMMER ASIZZLE AND WIN DEBBIE&ANDREW’S CAMPING KIT debbie&andrew’s is giving away a neat picnic kit with recipe book, cool bag and £10 debbie&andrew’s sausage vouchers so you can make your own magical moment this summer. debbie&andrew’s Harrogate 97% Pork Sausages are wheat, gluten and dairy free too so those with food sensitivities can tuck in. They’re the perfect party sausage and are meaty, filling and delicious – the epitome of what debbie&andrew promise when the say their sausages are ‘a real taste of the country’. Sign up for our newsletter with more competitions, recipes or product news at www.debbieandandrews.co.uk

Question: What town is linked with debbie&andrew’s wheat, gluten and dairy free sausage?

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4.

5.

6.

Bring a pan of water to the boil, introduce 8 of the eggs in their shells and leave in simmering water for 6 mins. Drain, then cool under cold water and peel carefully.

Meanwhile, squeeze the sausage mixture out of the skins and mix it together with the onions using your hands.

Roll out a block of pastry until large enough to cut 3 x 18cm circles (use a good sized cereal bowl or a side plate as a template). Re-roll the trimmings; you should get 4 further circles from each. Prepare 2 baking sheets by dusting with a little flour.

Using slightly wet hands, squash out an eighth of the sausage mix over each of the rounds of pastry, going almost right to the edges. Slightly wet the edges of the pastry. Sit a peeled egg in the middle of the sausage, grind over a little salt and pepper, then pull the sides up over the egg and seal. Crimp the edges and put onto the baking sheet.

Beat the final egg and brush over the pasties. Chill for 30 mins.

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.

Bake the pasties, one tray at a time, for 25 mins until golden.

For information about recipes, products and projects in support of rural communities and the countryside, please visit the website: www.debbieandandrews.co.uk FREE Subscribe today to receive year-round touring gems – CLICK HERE: discovertouringlive.co.uk/subscribe/

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