Spring / Easter Cover4Caravans Newsletter 2024

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Cover4Caravans newsletter

Firstly, a very warm welcome from all of us at Cover4Caravans. The daffodils are out, the evenings are slowly getting lighter, and the weather is getting (just a little bit) warmer. That can mean just one thing – Easter is nearly here!

What’s in this edition?

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Cover4Caravans newsletter which has a truly Spring-like feel to it! Here is a taster of what is inside…

Get Away to … Bustling Bristol!

Bristol is a city brimming with culture, creativity, and mouth-watering delights. A cultural trailblazer, Bristol is packed with world-class street art, a burgeoning live music scene and a vibrant social buzz around the city.

Whether you’re looking for new adventures or a relaxing break, Bristol’s diverse range of experiences has something for everyone.

Words and images courtesy of VisitBritain.com

Revamp your static caravan’s interior Spring is here, so why not breathe new life into your static home to fully embrace the upcoming warmer weather? The great news is that a substantial budget isn’t a prerequisite for this transformation – a few simple changes can completely alter its ambiance. Pick and choose from some of our ideas …

Destination inspiration for the new season

You are spoilt for choice with our five destination ideas of where to venture this season! From the Heart of England and the sprawling Cotswolds to the quaint medieval market towns of Suffolk; from Northern Ireland’s amazing Giants Causeway to West Wales’ Coastal Way (Ffordd Arfordirol), with its blue seas on one side and soaring mountains on the other.

Or, what about taking one of Scotland’s touring routes where you can make the most of its majestic landscapes, welcoming towns and villages, and the wealth of attractions that the country has to offer?

We hope you enjoy this newsletter.

Sam

Samuel Fisk, Cert CII Cover4 Manager Email:

samuelf@cover4.co.uk

Get away to... What to experience

The M Shed Museum offers a unique way to discover the city through a new behind the scenes tour of their extensive archives. Discover collections with connections to Bristol’s history, places and diversity.

Bustling Bristol!

Bristol is a city brimming with culture, creativity, and mouth-watering delights. A cultural trailblazer, Bristol is packed with world-class street art, a burgeoning live music scene and a vibrant social buzz around the city. Whether you’re looking for new adventures or a relaxing break, Bristol’s diverse range of experiences has something for everyone.

Words and images courtesy of VisitBritain.com

Connect to the city through music at the newly refurbished Bristol Beacon. With a focus on sustainability and the science of sound delivery the venue will offer guests an unforgettable musical journey in a newly reimagined space.

Dip into the gastronomic scene with an epic food and drink tour exploring Bristol Hotspots and Hidden Treasures with Good: Stories in Food. Explore Bristol’s sustainable food scene and meet dynamic and engaging locals along the way.

Just under a 40-minute walk from the city centre, or a short trip by bus, awaits an experience well worth the trek. Opened in 2022, Wake the Tiger offers an incredible immersive journey that presents the unexpected through an ‘amazement park’. The psychedelic adventure centred around creativity, sustainability and imagination delights visitors throughout the diverse spaces.

A trip to Bristol is not complete without a visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge for unrivalled views over the Avon Gorge to Ashton Forest and the countryside beyond.

Embark on a trip deep inside the Leigh Woods Tower on an underground vaults tour, or venture above the bridge and check out the Clifton Observatory for an elevated view of the city.

Nearby Adventures

Turn a city escape into a countryside getaway with an excursion just outside Bristol. Discover adventure at the Wave and test your surfing skills on a man-made wave maker suitable for beginners and advanced surfers. The facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy augmented by solar power.

Close by, the conservation and education charity Bristol Zoo Project will continue expanding their site in 2024, developing new immersive landscapes while improving wildlife biodiversity. The site will welcome two new habitats focusing on the preservation of endangered species such as the slender-snouted crocodiles, cherry-crowned mangabeys and many more. The new Conservation Campus will help with the development and education of animal welfare.

For a day trip into the countryside, Good: Stories in Food offers an enticing wine and cheese tour in Somerset. Enjoy Michelin-starred restaurants, incredible cheeses from Cheddar and wine fresh from the vine at local vineyards. The next tour season starts in May 2024.

Just a short train ride away, head over to Bath for the ultimate relaxation experience and take in unforgettable rooftop views at Thermae Bath Spa. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the magic of film and TV with a Bridgerton walking tour, or a trip to the steps of Parade Gardens, the Colonnades near Pulteney Weir and Pulteney Bridge to explore filming locations from the upcoming film, Wonka.

Where to eat

A haven for foodies, Bristol boasts a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Last year, the plant-based pasta restaurant Pastan opened a new branch in Bristol on Prince Street. The modern and relaxed space decorated with lush plants is a must-visit for vegan pasta lovers.

Following the success of their Cheltenham restaurant, Muse Brasserie opened in late 2022 and offers a fusion of European classics with an Asian twist which are inspired by Chef owner Franck Grillet’s travels in India.

For a dining experience like no other, visit Steak of the Art for a fantastic atmosphere and some of the best steaks served in the Southwest. The restaurant is festooned with art, including an Alice in Wonderland themed booth and a Brit Pop inspired table.

Check out the award-winning restaurant at Bristol’s Lido located on the original viewing gallery overlooking the pool where guests can enjoy Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired dishes. The daily updated menu is created from the best local and seasonal produce, with some ingredients taken from their own kitchen garden.

For a dining experience in a stunning location, head to The White Lion Pub and enjoy a drink or meal with panoramic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from their large terrace.

Finally, for places to pitch up, visit: https://visitbristol. co.uk/accommodation/alternative-accommodation/ camping-and-caravanning.

For further information contact the Visit Britain press team at pressandpr@visitbritain.org.

Sam Fisk Cover4Manager

Caris Barnes New Business

Tamzin Fairhall Renewals

Karen Hierons

Tom

Emily Waters

Mark Searcy Director

Did you know...

your caravan is covered for accidental damage when being towed?

And four other things you may not realise about your caravan insurance cover ….

1. Is my touring caravan covered for accidental damage whilst being towed?

One of our customers recently asked whether his tourer is covered for accidental damage whilst towing it. Apparently, he had heard that some touring caravan insurance policies do not provide this element of cover while on the road.

We are pleased to confirm that with Cover4Caravans tourer insurance policies, accidental damage whilst the caravan is being towed is covered as standard.

2. My son and his girlfriend are looking to go away in our caravan - are they covered for this?

Yes, as long as you let us know, then we can add his details on to the policy schedule.

3. I’ve changed the storage location of my touring caravan - do I need to tell you?

Yes please, it is a condition of your insurance that you advise us of any changes to where your caravan is stored. We will need to ask a few questions, such as:

What is the new postcode?

Type of location? (e.g. Stored at a CaSSOA-approved site, non- working farm, home address etc.)

What sort of security is there?

How many other caravans are there?

Has the site ever suffered any damage by flood, theft or vandals?

If we are happy with these answers and the postcode is accepted by our insurer, we can issue your new documents. There may be an additional premium to pay, depending on how high the insurer rates the risk of the postcode.

4. What is the maximum amount I can insure my touring caravan for?

We recently upgraded our touring caravan insurance policy and can offer up to £40,000 cover for your caravan, awning and contents.

5. I intend to take my tourer on holiday and then leave it for 3 or 4 nights while I go off and stay in other places. My friend says I am not covered by my caravan insurance if I do this – is this right?

Yes, your friend is right. This is because your insurance premiums are calculated on the caravan being stored at a storage site / at home or being used for holidays while pitched up somewhere. Touring caravan sites are less secure and more easily accessed - so are at more risk of being stolen, damaged or broken in to.

If you leave your caravan at a pitch unattended for over 24 hours, it is important to speak to your insurer and let them know as your policy typically may not cover this. At least that way they are aware of the circumstances and can advise if there is an additional premium to pay that would give you peace of mind that you are actually covered.

Please note that the awning being left up and unattended for over 24 hours wouldn’t be covered either.

Where’s Relle the Rabbit in the picture above

Answer on back page

What our customers are saying!

At Cover4Caravans, our aim is not only to find you the most suitable and cost-effective cover for your ‘van, but to provide a first-class service. Following is some genuine feedback via Feefo from some of our customers. As always, we are thrilled to receive such continued positive feedback!

“Helpful customer service. Helpful, quick and effective. Excellent customer service”

“Easy to deal with friendly staff, everything explained in simple language”

“Excellent price for a comprehensive policy. The staff are very friendly and helpful”

“Excellent service. No fuss. Easy to deal with”

“Caravan insurance made easy. Very helpful and efficient staff. Polite and professional. Answered the phone quickly, easy to understand. Speaking to real people makes all the difference. Can’t recommend highly enough”.

Team Talk...

This edition, we asked the Cover4 Team:

What is your favourite thing about being in the Cover4 Team?

What is one thing you’d love to do this year if you had the chance?

This is what they said …

Mark

1. My favourite thing is working with customers and our insurers to ensure we provide excellent caravan insurance and more importantly ensuring if a claim does occur, it is dealt with speedily and fairly.

2. I would love to spend some time abroad camping, on my motorbike, visiting the south of France and Switzerland.

Sarah

1. The camaraderie in the team.

2. I’d love to go on a foreign holiday. I haven’t been abroad for quite a few years as up until recently I was a Scout leader, so my holidays were taking them camping. Sam

1. There’s a very positive atmosphere and mindset in the team.

2. One thing I want to do is have a flying lesson. (Luckily, I managed to book one in and am very excited).

Tamzin

1. My favourite thing about being in the Cover4 team is how much I have learnt since I’ve been in this job role, I have loved working with Sam since he has become the Cover4 manager also.

2. I’d like to go on a winter city break.

Karen

1. I enjoy the work, the clients and it’s a nice team to work with.

2. I would like to take my granddaughter to Cornwall. Caris

1. My favourite thing about being in Cover4 is we all get along very well, the team are always helpful, everyone is prepared to help others - they are always supportive.

2. One thing I would love to do this year is to go on a few trips around different places in Europe.

Thomas

1. My favourite thing about being in the Cover4 team is how we get along so well; everyone is willing to help if you are in need and it is a fun group of people to be around.

2. One thing I would like to do this year is to visit New York and go on some city breaks.

Emily

1. My favourite thing about being in Cover4 is being part of a team that always brings a good atmosphere and never fails to make me laugh!

2. One thing I would love to do in 2024 is travel more and experience new places around the world.

5 destination ideas for Spring in your caravan

Springtime is here and with it comes the promise of longer, warmer days to come.

Here we suggest five Spring destinations to celebrate the new season …

1. Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds – the heart of England

What better place to experience the delights of Spring than the very centre of the country?

In Oxfordshire, you’ll find a unique blend of England at its very best. From the dreaming spires of the university city, countless historic sites, and stately homes, all set against the backdrop of a Cotswold landscape dotted with quintessentially picture-book towns and villages.

Spread over 800 square miles, and running through five counties, the winding lanes and verdant vistas of the Cotswolds make it the perfect place to visit with a touring caravan – a range of different experiences to pick from a veritable chocolate box of delightful villages, walks, tea shops, and restaurants.

2. Suffolk – overlooked highways and byways

It might be one of England’s biggest counties, but Suffolk somehow is so often overlooked as a fascinating – little short of spellbinding – place to visit. Because of its size, Suffolk cries out to be visited slowly – travel too fast and you’ll risk so many of its charms and attractions.

Like many a keen caravanner, you might be after an escape to the country. In the productive and mainly agricultural county of Suffolk, you’ll be in luck – here you can experience real country in one of England’s most ancient regions. The cultivated land is dotted with medieval market towns that owed their wealth to the thriving wool trade of the county.

Attractive towns and villages are not limited to the rural hinterland but can also be found along the more than 50 miles of Suffolk coastline. Towns such as Aldeburgh, Southwold, and Walberswick are already well-known – leaving plenty of others for you to discover for yourself.

5 destination ideas for Spring in your caravan

3. Northern Ireland – where giants tread

If the East Anglian county of Suffolk is often overlooked, the chances are you’ve only rarely thought of taking your tourer to Northern Ireland. You might want to think again. No visit to Northern Ireland can be completed without a trip out to the wild and rugged west coast between Derry and Coleraine. Here you’ll find the world-renowned Giants Causeway – 40,000 massive black basalt rocks and columns marching out to sea. This impressive geological phenomenon was created some 50-60 million years ago and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The train along the coast between the cities of Derry (or Londonderry as it’s also known) and Coleraine is scenically stunning and a regular Translink Causeway Rambler bus from Coleraine will drop you off right outside the entrance to the Giants Causeway.

If the name Derry sounds at all familiar, it is of course home to the award-winning comedy series Derry Girls – set in a historic city that you’ll certainly want to spend more than a day or two exploring.

4. West Wales – a 180-mile odyssey

Wales has always claimed its rightful place among the favourite destinations of British caravanners. There are welcoming green valleys, stunning coastlines, and majestic mountains. Any visit to Wales will surprise you with its sheer wealth of diverse and contrasting landscapes and history.

In its launch of three tourist routes that crisscross Wales, the principality’s tourist board has given you all the more reason to make your own grand tour through its stunning yet welcoming countryside.

One of those routes in particular – the Coastal Way (Ffordd Arfordirol) – rolls all the way from Aberdaron in the west of the Llyn Peninsula around the whole of Cardigan Bay to Britain’s smallest city, St Davids in Pembrokeshire. Not for nothing is this 180-mile journey through the very heart of Wales called an odyssey.

5. Scotland – the brave

Not to be outdone by its Welsh cousins to the south, the Scottish tourist agency, Visit Scotland, has also conjured up several memorable scenic touring routes across the length and breadth of this magnificent land.

Many caravanners will already know that Scotland is the ideal touring country – and Spring is a season to enjoy the place before it becomes more crowded with summer visitors and when you’ll be sure to find the peace, quiet, and relaxation you’re probably looking for.

Visit Scotland has devised 15 different tourist routes for you to explore. Each one is different, of course, and may be shorter or longer depending on your preference, but the emphasis is on routes that take you along the highways and byways – rather than motorways or trunk roads – so that you can make the most of the majestic landscapes, welcoming towns and villages, and the wealth of attractions that the country has to offer.

Revamp your static caravan’s interior

Spring is here, so why not breathe new life into your static home to fully embrace the upcoming warmer weather? The great news is that a substantial budget isn’t a prerequisite for this transformation – a few simple changes can completely alter its ambiance. Pick and choose from some of the ideas below …

Clear the clutter and maximise space

Do you have decorative items that you simply don’t use (or like) anymore? Then donate or sell them and free up some space.

Focus instead on clever storage ideas and caravan gadgets to keep your static home’s interior functional but sleek. For example:

maximise storage space with under-bed storage bins, hanging organisers etc; opt for foldable furniture to save space when not in use; consider installing shelves or cabinets to keep belongings organised; upgrade kitchen appliances for a more modern look and improved functionality; add countertop storage solutions to keep the kitchen organised.

Lighting

Modern LED systems are not only highly energy-efficient but also come in stunningly attractive styles. Swapping out old lights and suspensions for more contemporary versions can have an immediate positive impact on your static home decor.

Additionally, the inconveniences of older LED features, such as delayed “warming up” time, are now a thing of the past with the superb performance of modern systems.

You can also add LED strips under cabinets or along

edges for a warm and inviting glow.

Curtains, cushions and upholstery

Choose curtains or blinds that complement the overall colour scheme and opt for blackout curtains for privacy and to control natural light.

There’s no need to splurge on items from designer boutiques when seeking high-quality, visually appealing slip-on upholstery. The same holds true for cushions, both in terms of upholstery and their interiors. A change in your colour scheme and the replacement of worn-out cushions can instantaneously uplift your living space.

Tip: Opt for new cushions rather than acquiring used ones from a charity shop and then washing them, as this might compromise the effectiveness of the flame-retardant material.

Flooring

The natural wear and tear from foot traffic can make any flooring seem lacklustre over time. Consider easyto-clean, durable flooring options like laminate or lino. Affordable options, such as lino floor tiles, are now available and often boast better quality than those found just a few years ago.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms and shower rooms can start to look outdated over time. While a complete overhaul might be costly, a thorough cleaning coupled with the addition of small extras like new towel racks, dispensers, and stylish WC seats can significantly refresh the look and feel of these

areas without breaking the bank.

Also:

install wall-mounted shelves or cabinets to maximise storage space;

use baskets or organisers to keep toiletries and other items organised; change the shower curtain or add a sleek glass shower door;

replace or update the vanity unit for a more modern look;

install a stylish mirror or medicine cabinet with built-in storage.

Are you planning on making major changes to your static home? Then please tell us!

Remember, if you’re making substantial changes to the interior of your static home, such as installing a new kitchen, it’s essential to inform us so we can ensure that your static caravan insurance cover remains adequate.

Calendar of events

What’s on?

Here are a selection of caravan shows and events coming up in the next few months that you may be interested in. All details are correct at time of going to press - but obviously do check that an event is still running before you leave as things can change very quickly!

17-19 May 2024 - Newbury Showground, Chievely, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ

The Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show

Join in your motorhome, campervan, caravan or tent in Newbury for a celebration of the Sixties with this Sixties Weekender. A great weekend away with friends, renowned for its entertainment and extensive exhibition area. Relive the swinging Sixties for four nights and remember this much-loved era of music.

19-21 July 2024 - Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0TT

The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show

Open to both campers and day visitors, the rock ‘n’ roll weekender show promises:

Local and national dealers with new or preowned motorhomes and campervans for sale

A vast number of exhibitors

A range of camping accessories for your next trip.

6-8 September 2024 - Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN

The South West Motorhome and Campervan Show

Head to Somerset for Shepton Mallet’s ever-popular motorhome and campervan show and rally for the weekend live entertainment.

Camp overnight or visit the show as a day visitor and enjoy:

New and used models for sale from national and local dealers

Accessories for all your future camping adventures

Free seminars to top up your hobby knowledge.

Cover4Caravan Home

Baxter Building

80 Baxter Avenue

Southend on Sea

Essex SS2 6HZ

Team Number: 01702 606 301

Email: newbusiness@cover4.co.uk

Website: www.cover4caravans.co.uk

The Cover4 Team

Mark Searcy Director

Sam Fisk Manager

Caris Barnes

New Business

Sarah Clarke

Renewals

Tamzin Fairhall

Renewals

Karen Hierons

Renewals

Tom McIntosh

New Business

Emily Waters

New Business