These winter months are often the cruellest of times – a glimpse of the sun, you’re rearing to go, then the skies ominously cloud over again. Thank heavens for our regular review of the latest UK caravan news to lighten your day.

While winter’s been sleeping, therefore, let’s look at some of the news on the caravanning front and events you can look forward to in the season ahead.

The UK’s longest-running caravan festival to feature top music acts, kids’ clubs, and a dog show

Members of the caravanning fraternity tend to like nothing better than a good festival. One of the oldest and longest-running of these returns to Cheshire towards the end of May.

Now in its 90th year, the Caravan And Motorhome Club’s ClubFest will be held against the sumptuous backdrop of Bolesworth Castle from the 23^rd to the 27^th of that month.

Not only is ClubFest one of the best-loved events on the caravanner’s calendar, but this year there’s even more action planned – so there should be something for everyone whatever their age during the 5-day festival. These include show-stopping musical acts – the Lightning Seeds and Boyzlife, together with a roll-call of tribute acts such as Go Your Own Way and Oasish.

The Kids’ Club will tap into the boundless energy of children as they clamour for face painting and art sessions or try their hand at balloon modelling or science experiments.

For the grown-ups there is archery and axe-throwing. When you’re in need of some quiet relaxation, there will be yoga classes around the lake.

UK Government said to be planning electric car loan subsidies to push sales

Have you noticed that the initial enthusiasm for electric vehicles (EVs) seems to be on the wane somewhat?

In an attempt to revive consumer excitement and help to meet net-zero targets, the government is discussing ways in which it can subsidise the purchase of EVs by subsidising or guaranteeing loans, according to the Guardian newspaper recently.

The prospect of interest-free or low-interest loans would be welcomed by EV motor manufacturers – and, of course, the customers who are in the market for such cars.

National forest walking festival returns

Your caravan is your home in the great outdoors. What better way to enjoy that freedom than a walk through one of England’s great forests?

The popular National Forest walking festival celebrates its 16^th year throughout the 10 days from the 16^th to the 26^th of May, Out and About Live has announced.

The National Forest covers 200 square miles across the Midland counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire, linking the ancient woodlands of Needwood and Charnwood – restoring a living breathing green landscape to what was once heavily industrialised and scarred by coal mining.

The walks are by no means gruelling – more than 20 of them are less than 3 miles and perfectly suited even for those with limited mobility or families with young children.

Motorhomes and seatbelt laws

How well do you know what the law says about wearing seatbelts in your motorhome? For the safety of you and your passengers – not to mention the risk of prosecution or penalties – it’s as well to make sure you’re familiar with the rules, urged a story in the Caravan Times on the 23^rd of January.

Any motorhome manufactured after 2006 – the majority, therefore – has the same seatbelt rules as your car. In other words, the driver and those in seats designated for passengers must always wear a 3-point seatbelt. Passengers in other seats in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt with at least 2 fixed points.

For motorhomes built after the 1^st of October 1988 but before 2006, the 3-point seatbelt rules apply only to forward-facing passengers while others are advised to use at least a 2-point seatbelt.

It is only in older motorhomes that you’re likely to find side-facing seats and it is generally inadvisable to travel while seated in them.

Any child (below the age of 12 or less than 4ft 4in in height) must travel in a seat with a 3-point seatbelt.

The outdoor life is all very well – if only it wasn’t so exhausting!

Caravan owners have for a long time made the most of their love for a healthy outdoors lifestyle clear by taking a bicycle or two with them on their outings and holidays. Rides in the countryside – or even a quick trip to the farm shop for that extra pint of milk – nicely round out any caravan adventure.

If you are navigating the hills and valleys of the gloriously rolling English countryside, though, pushing those pedals around can get pretty tiring.

That’s where an electrically-powered bicycle – an e-bike – can come to your rescue, providing many of the benefits without quite so much pain.

A wider choice than you might have imagined

You might have thought that it was simply a question of choosing a bike with or without any power-assistance. How wrong you would be. If you are opting for a more comfortable ride, electric bikes these days come in all shapes and sizes, designed for all manner of users, which can be carried by large caravans and small.

So, here are just some of the considerations you might want to keep in mind when choosing your e-bike:

Crank or hub?

• for a machine as simple and straight forward as a bike, it might seem strange to dive straight in with the technical terms – but choosing between a crank or hub drive can be one of those critical first decisions;
• just as the term suggests, a crank drive applies electric power to the crank which turns as you pedal – it’s also called a “mid-drive” – and, as you’ll notice when climbing hills, is an especially efficient motor;
• a hub drive drives the hub, of course – and are smaller and lighter, so, may influence your choice on those features alone;

Pedal assist or throttle?

E-bikes work in two ways:

• pedal assist means the motor kicks in when you pedal, making the ride feel more natural;
• throttle control allows you to move without pedalling;

Mountain bike or roadster?

• just as with bikes that have no electric assistance at all, there is a huge range available when it comes to the type of bike you choose – regular, on-street bicycles to off-road mountain bikes, or hybrids of the two;
• power-assisted or not, a mountain bike works very well indeed when you are negotiating off-road terrain – it can be more than usually hard work to ride one on paved roads;
• only set your heart on a rugged-looking mountain bike, therefore, if most of your cycling is going to be off-road – if not, save yourself unnecessary effort, and cash, by investing in a regular roadster;

Power-to-weight and size

• the amount of power needed for your bicycle depends on how you intend to use it – in challenging off-road conditions, of course, you are likely to need more power;
• but more power is also likely to mean greater weight and size – making your e-bike potentially more difficult to transport within the confines of your caravan, on a roof-rack or strapped to an external rack;

Folding e-bikes

• an answer to the size problem is to buy a folding e-bike;
• as an article on the website We Love Camping explains, a folding electric bike solves the problems of stowing and transporting a bicycle in a way that keeps it securely locked away from the hands of thieves.

Check the battery life and range

The bigger the battery, the further your bike will go on a single charge. Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), and the most appropriate one for you depends on how far you plan to ride:

• for short rides (10-20 miles), a 250Wh-400Wh battery should be enough;
• for longer journeys (30 miles or more), a 500Wh battery or higher is a better option;
• removable batteries can be charged separately, which is useful if you store your bike outside;

Choose the right frame and wheels

• lightweight aluminium or carbon fibre frames make the bike easier to handle;
• larger wheels (28”-29”) roll better on roads, while smaller wheels (20”-26”) are good for folding bikes or rough terrain;

Brakes matter for safety

With the extra weight and speed of an e-bike, good brakes are essential:

• hydraulic disc brakes may offer the best stopping power in all weather conditions;
• mechanical disc brakes are a cheaper alternative but require more effort to use;
• rim brakes are common on budget bikes but don’t perform as well in wet weather.

Find a comfortable riding position

Comfort is key, especially for longer rides. Step-through frames make it easier to get on and off the bike while adjustable handlebars and seats help you find the best riding position. Suspension forks absorb bumps, which is useful if you’ll be riding on uneven roads or trails.

Look for useful features

Some extras can make your rides safer and more enjoyable:

• built-in lights and reflectors improve visibility;
• mudguards and racks make commuting more practical;
• GPS tracking and strong locks help prevent theft;
• digital displays let you monitor speed, battery level, and distance;

Test ride and compare models

• try different bikes to see what feels best for you.
• look for reputable brands that offer good warranties and support.
• read customer reviews to check reliability and performance.

Final thoughts

An electric bike gives you all the joys of cycling while on holidays in your caravan – without so much pain in pushing the pedals. As we’ve explained, however, there are a number of points you might want to consider before settling on your choice of e-bike. By considering the motor, battery, frame, and safety features, you’ll hopefully find a bike that makes your journeys easier and more enjoyable.

Further reading: Read about UK e-bike laws here

Date of Visit:     December 2024

Overall View

This is a Camping and Caravan Club site in Winchcombe in the North of the Cotswolds, near Tewkesbury to the West and Evesham and Broadway to the East.

Access is straightforward, either from the A46 or the M5, Junction 9 – please have a look at the Site Arrival Video.   

The site is level, surrounding a deep, fishing lake in the middle of the site, there is a fence round half of the lake but care will be required with little ones and your pets.  There is a path to walk round and there are fishing bays.

Facilities

This is a full facilities, members only site, offering a range of pitch types, both hardstanding, grass and electric hookup and non-electric hookups numbering a total of 80 pitches. There are no fully serviced pitches.

It is usually open from March to January.

There is a Reception, stocking the basics including caravan consumable supplies.  There is a laundry and well stocked information room in this block by the entrance.  At the time of writing, the one washing machine and one dryer cost £4.50 for a full load and £1 per 20 minutes drying time.  There are sinks and an ironing board and iron costing 20p per use,  We found the facility to be of a very good standard indeed.  The information room was very well stocked and contained all the local information you might want.

The site is secured using a rising barrier and passcode.  It is locked between 11pm and 7am each night, however, there is a large car park in which to park if you return outside of these times.

In the other block, adjacent to the Reception block is an amenities facility.  Here you will find a resident’s lounge with a pool table, a range of board games for you to borrow or play there.  There is a TV as well.  There are plenty of comfy seats to sit in if you wish.

Alongside this are the toilet, shower and dishwashing facilities.  There are toilets/showers for men, women, family room and accessible room, RADAR key required.  These comprise the usual facilities but should be noted that there are no shower curtains in any of the rooms.  In the men and women rooms, the showers are of the push button, time limited variety.  This is not the case in both the family room and accessible room where a normal shower is available.  Cleaning times are between the hours of roughly 10:30am and 12 noon.  During that time it is not allowed to use the accessible and family room other than for toilet usage only.  They were kept immaculately clean at all times.

There is also a semi open aired dishwashing area with the sole CDP at the end in an enclosed room, access is completely separate.  Again, all kept to a very high standard indeed.

There are water filling up points dotted around the site and these also include grey waste water disposal points.  The sole rubbish disposal point is to the side of the CDP and rubbish is not required to be separated for recycling.  There are a number of dog waste points around the site.

There is a main dog walking area but as it is not secure, leads are required at all times.  Unfortunately, during our stay it was not safe to use this area due to the very deep mud area leading up to and just inside the entrance.

There is also a public footpath which runs to the site and the bottom of the site which is clearly waymarked.

Finally, there is a separate area which comprises lodges, either privately owned or available for hire.  There is an additional rising barrier and passcode required.

Review of Site Pitch

The site is predominantly level and the pitches are well drained covered in Cotswold stone.  Most hard standings will permit either a caravan, motorhome and an awning.  There are car parking areas spread around the site for people to use if they are unable to park on their pitch.

As we were pitched overlooking the lake, we were allowed to pitch front in and we had a lovely view as a result.  The pool is oxygenated each day from about 10am to 4pm.  It is not very noisy and we did not find it at all disturbing.

The site is alongside the B4077 – this can be busy during the day but not overly intrusive. 

There is free Wi-Fi on site, provided by the club. Good enough for emails, general browsing and social media. Mobile wise EE was particularly strong up to 5G inside and out. Three offered 4G but struggled to stream video, Vodafone indicated good 4G indoors and out, as did O2.

TV reception was reasonable with some deterioration depending on the weather conditions and was worse at night.

Out and About

There nearest bus stop is over a mile away, the nearest train station is in Cheltenham.

Vets – there is a comprehensive list in the Information room

For groceries there is a Budgens at Toddington, approximately 2.5 miles away. Additionally there is a Lidl and Co-op at Bishops Cleeve, just under 8 miles away. Bigger supermarkets can be found in Cheltenham.

For fuel the best price locally was Morrisons and Gulf, on the way to Tewksbury after crossing the M5. Plenty of options in Cheltenham too.

Do and See

Winchcombe site benefits from good access and is well placed for the North of the Cotswolds, Vale of Evesham and over to Tewkesbury and slightly further afield to Gloucester. 

www.cotswolds.info/ 

This website is a general one for the whole of the Cotswold area and further to the South of the Cotswold and is a good starting point. 

https://www.visittewkesbury.info

https://www.visitgloucester.co.uk

https://www.visitevesham.co.uk

There is a particularly pleasant, fully accessible walk along the River Avon in Tewkesbury.  It starts in Victoria Gardens where there is a car park, with free accessible parking, toilet facilities and winds its way along the River – there are historical boards along the way explaining what you are seeing.  It is also possible to cross a small bridge onto an island – this is not accessible, nor is the route advised after point No. 6.  However, turning right up the alleyway brings you onto the High Street and turning right will bring to a coffee shop – No.7.  It comes highly recommended, accessible with facilities and allows dogs in too – especially welcome on a very cold Boxing Day morning.  One note of caution though, the area floods regularly and at certain times of the year, it is recommended that you check before setting off.  Wellingtons are a must if you go after a flood as it can be quite muddy on the pavements afterwards.   

https://www.victoriagardenstewkesbury.co.uk

In terms of food, there are a couple of places we visited which we enjoyed.  The first and probably the nearest is Ye Olde Hobnails Inn dating from 1492. 

The other pub is in Cheltenham itself, plenty of free accessible parking throughout the town centre and clearly  marked.  The Old Courthouse is a Brunning and Price pub/restaurant in stunning surroundings.  The Everyman Theatre is but a stones throw away if you wish to combine the two.  The pub is totally dog friendly, as are all their pubs.  Superb food, ambience and service.

In terms of Winchcombe and nearby Toddington – these are both stations on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway.  Both have cafes and visitors are welcome whether you use the trains or not. 

Another place to spend a day for all the family, including a rainy day, is the Cotswold Farm Park run by Adam Henson of BBC Countryfile fame.  There are both indoor and outdoor activities, a cafe, shop and full facilities.  In wet weather, sensible footwear is advised. 

Summary

We were staying over the Christmas and New Year fortnight.  Whilst it was quiet over the Christmas Day, the site is now virtually full until after New Years Day when it closes on 3 January 2025 until the spring.  The Wardens were always very friendly, approachable, and willing to help where requested.  It was our first time staying on a full site – we have found their offering to be very acceptable indeed and we would both return to this site in warmer weather and consider other CCC sites in the future.

A very tidy and well kept site which is a credit to the Wardens.

Why visit glorious Glasgow? There are reasons aplenty. It’s Scotland’s largest city and it offers an attractive and appealing tapestry of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re in search of art, relaxation, musical festivals, and events or simply a raring good time, Glasgow has something for everyone.

What are the top attractions in Glasgow?

For a city that’s so busy and vibrant, it’s difficult to choose from a whole array of attractions but the following are all worth more than a passing visit:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions set in the peaceful surroundings of Kelvingrove Park in the city’s West End. Opened in 1901, entry to its extensive 22 galleries is free to this day;

• Glasgow Cathedral – work on this Gothic cathedral started in 1136 and took 350 years to complete. It is now the official home of the Church of Scotland and the oldest in the country;

• Riverside Museum – if you thought the city’s main attractions were from ancient history, the Riverside Museum’s stunning glass and concrete profile will soon put you straight. Glasgow’s award-winning technology and transport museum, the Riverside was designed by architect Dame Zaha Hadid and opened in 2011.

What free activities can you do in Glasgow?

Though it’s the largest urban environment in Scotland, Glasgow has retained many acres of open spaces, gardens, and parks – all of which you can stroll through at your leisure and free of charge. The biggest of these is Pollok Country Park, which you’ll find on the southside of the city. Inner-city havens of peace and quiet can be found at Glasgow Green, Rouken Glen Park, and Linn Park.

It’s also free, of course, to organise your own walking tour – especially popular is the City Centre Mural Trail.

In addition to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, free entry is also offered to the Burrell Collection, Riverside Museum, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Glasgow City Chambers, and Glasgow Botanic Gardens – to name but a few.

What are the best cultural experiences in Glasgow?

Glasgow was named the UK’s first (and only the world’s third) UNESCO City of Music in August 2008. Many would say that music remains the city’s beating heart.

As a result, you’ll find some of the biggest contemporary and Celtic music festivals in Scotland and home to every shade of ensemble including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and Scottish Opera.

What outdoor activities can you do in Glasgow?

We’ve mentioned the acres of open green space within the city and for further active adventures you might want to take to two wheels along any number of the 1,489 cycle routes in and around Glasgow (and helpfully plotted by Bike Map).

The Clyde Walkway will take you on a trail of more than 40 miles (65km) right through the heart of the city 65 km. Other trails worth exploring include the River Kelvin Walkway and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Where are the best shopping spots in Glasgow?

Put all the culture and history to one side for a moment and just indulge in the shopping paradise that is Glasgow. In the centre of the city, you’ll find just about every high street brand and designer outlet – head for Prices Square, the Buchanan Galleries or St Enoch Centre – or track down the independent traders represented by the Scottish Design Exchange, The Hidden Lane, or the Clydeside Collective.

Scattered throughout the city’s many and diverse neighbourhoods, you’ll also find a mix of vintage, pre-loved, and second-hand shops and markets.

What family-friendly activities are there in Glasgow?

But what if you have kids in tow? Are there family-friendly activities in Glasgow? The answer is yes – in abundance.

Flipout Glasgow, for instance, is an all-encompassing indoor trampoline and adventure park, the Hollywood Bowl, at Springfield Quay, offers ten-pin bowling for all ages, while Reidvale Adventure Playground is where they’re able to let off as much steam as anxious parents can imagine.

What hidden gems can you discover in Glasgow?

It’s a city that appears to wear its heart on its sleeve, yet Glasgow also has more than its fair share of hidden gems:

• explore the unique charms of Ashton Lane and its welter of bars and restaurants;

• the Hidden Gardens in the very centre of the city will offer an immediate haven of peace and tranquility;

• Glasgow’s Necropolis is a sombre yet fascinating Victorian monument to countless sons of the city.

What day trips can you take from Glasgow?

Glasgow is also a gateway to practically the rest of Scotland – starting with no less an iconic location than Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which is just 33 miles (53km) to the north of the city.

If you’re committed to a search for Scotland’s most historic monuments, however, Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in the country and only 30 miles (48km) to the northeast of the city.

Do you wonder what UK caravan news is currently hitting the headlines? In the depths of winter, with snow and ice still on the ground, you might have thought that the caravanning world has all but gone to sleep. Far from it!

In answer to your questions, here are some of the latest headlines featuring some caravan news …

Innovative expandable ‘Flexi-Pod’ caravan unveiled

Want a glimpse of the future shape of caravans? In its edition of the 31^st of December, the Sun newspaper gave you just that.

Measuring more than 26ft (7.2m) long by 8½ft (2.6m) tall, the ForFreedom concept caravan looks all the world for a compact trailer that will be manoeuvrable and easy to tow. At rest, though, its pivoted centre and sliding chassis converts the whole into a thoroughly comfortable and spacious living area.

It sets new standards – fit for a caravan of the future – thanks to an ingenious, expandable design that creates a flexible and roomy living pod with windows affording spectacular views.

There’s a fully-fitted kitchen – surpassing any conventional galley – and a spacious bathroom that you’d be hard-pressed to find in any other caravan of its size.

Dorset’s largest caravan retailer closes just before Christmas

If you’ve heard of Lady Bailey Caravans, you’ll be disappointed to discover that Dorset’s biggest retail outlet of caravans closed down just before the Christmas holidays, reported Practical Caravan recently.

Ill health has forced the owners’ retirement from the dealership that has been run for the past 30 years or so from its premises in Winterborne Whitchurch, near Blandford Forum.

Just as the name suggests, Lady Bailey Caravans held the franchise for new and used Bailey caravans – one of the biggest UK manufacturers of caravans, including models such as the Discovery D4-2 and the Alicanto Grande Evora.

Although Lady Bailey Caravans has now closed, six other local companies have been accredited to carry out repairs and servicing of Bailey caravans, including work done under warranty or an existing service plan. Only a “very few” owners will be unable to find workshops competent in doing used warranty work, says Lay Bailey’s website.

Gaslow issues safety warning: refilling gas cylinders without genuine systems poses serious risks 

What shouldn’t you attempt without access to the proper equipment? Your gas cylinders should only be refilled by recognised professionals working at purpose-built filling stations, says cylinder manufacturer Gaslow International in a story published by Out and About Live.

The company warns of the dangers of trying to refill exchange cylinders on your own. It seems that some caravan owners and campers have bought adaptors online that come with nozzles designed for refilling gas cylinders on petrol station forecourts and the like. By attempting to cut corners and costs in this fashion, customers are compromising their safety with potentially lethal results.

Exchange cylinders need to be filled by weight. That requires specialist weighing equipment to measure things accurately. It’s an important safety measure because an overfilled cylinder is highly dangerous – it can catch fire or even explode. For that reason, a cylinder must always be refilled using an 80% automatic protection valve to prevent overfilling.

Swift celebrates awards

2024 was a good year for Swift – 2025 is shaping up to be even better to judge by the awards the caravan manufacturer.

Swift was voted the winner in the separate categories for best 6-berth caravan (the Sprite Exclusive Major 6 TD), best 4-berth motorhome (Voyager 510) and best campervan (Swift Trekker X) by Practical Caravan Awards and Practical Motorhome Awards.

The Swift Sprite Quattro MB was the winner not only of Caravan of the Year but also Best Family Caravan while the Basecamp 2 won the award for the coolest caravan in the Out & About Live Caravan Awards and the Swift Trekker as the coolest campervan in the Out & About Live Campervan Awards.

The manufacturer also won six awards in various Highly Commended categories.