Latest news with #CaravanAndMotorhomeClub
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Beaulieu exhibition to reveal how caravans helped during Second World War
A new exhibition will explore the role of caravans during the Second World War. 'Pitch Up and Carry On' will run from September 13, 2025 to early summer 2026, at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The exhibition, presented by the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection, will share how caravans and their owners played an important part in the war effort. Using rare materials, including manufacturers' records, club magazines, advertising, photographs, and personal accounts, the exhibition will look at how caravans were adapted for military and civilian purposes during the national crisis. They became mobile RAF offices, army briefing rooms, Women's Land Army accommodation, and even air raid shelters. The Caravan Club, as it was called then, reacted immediately to the outbreak of war by lowering its membership fee, providing practical guidance, and serving as a key community contact for caravanners across the UK. Fuel shortages and evacuation chaos did not stop the club from advocating for its members and offering aid. The club also directed how caravans could serve the nation, advising government bodies. READ MORE: Energy firm pledges year-long support to Army Flying Museum Caravan manufacturers shifted their focus from leisure vehicles to trailer bodies, supplying the War Office and finding innovative uses for caravans as first aid posts, mobile canteens, and field headquarters. The British Army embraced the caravan's practicality and mobility, using them as mobile offices, sleeping quarters, and command centres. A special section of the exhibition will feature period footage and the reading of a girl's memories growing up in a caravan during the war, providing a glimpse into the everyday lives of 1940s caravanners. Sara Riccabone, senior curator of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection, said: "This exhibition, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, sheds light on an overlooked but fascinating chapter of both the club and wartime history. "We are delighted to collaborate with the National Motor Museum in bringing this story to life and showing how caravans, and the community built around them, proved a remarkable resource in a time of need." Nick Lomas, director general at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, added: "We are proud to have the Caravan and Motorhome Club's archive collection preserved at the National Motor Museum."
The Sun
31-07-2025
- The Sun
Britain's best-kept campsite secret lets you stay in UK's most beautiful places from just £2 each
BRITAIN'S caravan, campervan and motorhome owners have a closely guarded secret - campsites that can be enjoyed for just £2 per person, per night. I went in search of the best sites and they're guaranteed to ensure cash-strapped families have a brilliant holiday this summer. The UK's two major leisure vehicle clubs – The Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club – have a network of small campsites that allow members to enjoy holidays at thousands of locations at inflation-busting rates. But why the secrecy? Each CL (Caravan and Motorhome Club) or CS (Camping and Caravanning Club) site is privately owned, and therefore each location is truly individual. Would you like to pitch your caravan or motorhome within a working vineyard? How about waking up in your campervan to views of a mountain range? The secrecy stems from pitch numbers, as each CL or CS can only accommodate a maximum of five units per night. When someone discovers their perfect, low-cost campsite, details are guarded. Armed with a Bailey of Bristol caravan, I went in search of my favourite CL and CS sites - here are the best of the best. Cornish Coastline 5 Padstow, a charming and historic coastal town in Cornwall, known for its harbour, Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth restaurants, and scenic estuary walks, is a popular but pricey destination, especially in summer. An online search revealed per-night hotel prices for a family of four to be between £200 and £300 during peak periods, with an Airbnb booking saving approximately £50. Padstow is the perfect place to begin our story. Nestled among gently rolling farmland overlooking Padstow, Chapel Farm CL is a perfect Cornish retreat for those wanting peace without sacrificing proximity to Cornwall's most iconic spots. At just £10 per night, or £2.50 per person for a family of four, it was significantly cheaper than bricks and mortar accommodation and gave us stunning views of the River Camel flowing alongside Padstow. Snowdonia – Small Site, Big Mountains 5 Just outside the Welsh town of Llanrwst, Tan Y Rhiw CS site is one of Snowdonia's best-kept secrets. It sits quietly on a smallholding just off the A470, where hens peck and a friendly sheepdog is eager to say hello, although it's the panoramic mountain view that makes this site special. From your pitch, you can watch the sun rise over the peaks of the Carneddau range before exploring nearby landscapes that have remained unchanged for millennia. Prices are from £20 per night, but the individual hardstanding pitches, electric hook-up, and small loo/shower block make this good value. Jurassic Coast, Jurassic Prices 5 Trigon Farm CL is rural yet close to many Dorset landmarks and attractions. Situated on a working arable farm, the pitches are set among rolling fields, and the Jurassic Coast is nearby. The reason for our trip, however, was to cycle the Sika Trail, which is a short distance from the site. As with Chapel Farm CL, we were reliant on the facilities within the caravan, but at £12.50 per night for two adults, it's an absolute bargain. £8 Per Night in the Pennine Hills 5 Thurlmoor Farm CS site is a peaceful, countryside-rich campsite near Holmfirth, South Yorkshire. It offers grass pitches with or without electric hook-up from just £8 per night, which works out at £2pp for a family of four. Located near the Trans-Pennine Trail, it's dog-friendly and ideal for those seeking a quiet base to explore scenic local trails, villages, and the wider Peak District. Why t The campsite fees – albeit relatively small – are an essential lifeline to site owners, with one farmer citing his campsite field as 'the most productive on the entire farm'. Only members of The Caravan and Motorhome Club ( and The Camping and Caravanning Club ( can access CL and CS sites. Joining either club is a cost-effective and straightforward process. There's a combined total of approximately 3500 CL and CS sites across the UK. No electricity? No problem. Caravans, campervans, and motorhomes are self-sufficient, with most being able to light and heat the interior, provide hot water for the on-board shower, cook using a hob, oven, or grill, and charge laptops, phones, or tablets. Need 230V electricity? Many CL and CS sites offer a mains electricity supply. Prices can vary and are usually based on facilities and infrastructure. These campsites allow cash-strapped families to maximise the number of holidays they enjoy each year, while helping small businesses across the UK. If you're looking for more ways to cut the cost of your camping trip, The Sun has four tips to consider. The travel team has also found the UK's top 20 most idyllic camping destinations. And don't forget camping essentials - the best shops to explore and prices start from £2.50.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- The Sun
The 7 cheapest caravan sites for a week's family holiday – including gorgeous beach stay from £11 a night
SUMMER is now in full swing, and there are plenty of budget friendly ways to enjoy holidays in the sun. Camping and caravaning may not sound as glamorous as jetting off on a long haul flight, but its a great way to see the beautiful British countryside, at a purse friendly price. 8 And with the Met Office predicting that this summer is set to be a scorcher, there's no need to leave to the British Isles to get your fix of Vitamin D. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has provided a list of their seven best campsites, where members can stay for £16.50 or less per night. Aberbran Club Campsite Aberbran Club Campsite is the perfect retreat for nature lovers, and is ideally location in the Brecon Beacons national park in Wales. The dog friendly site is a renovated old railway station and promises a "no nonsense, simple and relaxing holiday". 8 Reviewers have flooded the site with positive reviews, with one person calling it an "oasis of peace", and another commenting that they enjoyed it so much they stayed for an extra week. A caravan or motorhome pitch costs from £15.50 per night for one adult or £21 per night for two adults, for caravan club members. For non-members, one adult costs £29.80 per night and two adults cost £35.30. Children under five are free, whilst kids from five to 17 costs just £1, regardless of whether their parents are members. For a family of four (two adults and two children over five) seven days at the site will cost you from £161. Altnaharra Club Campsite Altnaharra Club Campsite, located in the Scottish Highlands is a haven for birdwatchers, anglers and walkers, keen to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature. 8 The 24 caravan site is 20 miles away from the nearest shop so its perfect for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Scots holiday park named one of best in world One caravan lover said that the staff treated them "as friends", whilst another commented that on a clear day, the night sky is "amazing". The price for a touring pitch for one adult is just £13.80 a night, and £19.30 for two adults. Non-members can enjoy the campsite for £28.80 for one adult, or £34.30 for two adults. Like the other sites listed, children under five are free, whilst kids from five to 17 costs just £1, regardless of whether their parents are members. The annual fee for a family to join the Caravan and Motorhome Club is typically £66. This covers two adults, and any children under 18. Unless you pay by direct debit there is an additional £10 joining fee and additional family members over 18 years old cost an extra £10. Members get access to over 2,700 campsites in the UK and Europe, as well as discounts at club campsites A family of four can spend a week at the site for just £149. Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite is nestled within the gorgeous Cotswolds, graded as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's just five miles from the quaint village of Bourton-on-the-water, which is filled with chocolate box cottages and idyllic cafes. 8 One member said that the site is perfect for dog walks, whilst another was delighted by its proximity to many Cotswolds villages. Member prices start from £15.50 for one adult and £22 for two adults. Non-members can pitch up for £30.50 for one adult and £37 for two adults. As with the other sites, under fives are free, and five to 17 year olds stay for £1. For a family of four to spend a week on the campsite, it will cost as little as £161. Clachan Club Campsite Clachan Club Campsite, situated in Stirling, Scotland, is tucked away in a glorious woodland, filled with wildlife and stunning wildflowers. The site is made for hiking fans, as it a located amongst the glens, mountains and lochs of the central highlands. 8 One reviewer raved about the efficiency of the site's efficient automated check in, whilst another was extremely impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities. Prices start from just £11 for one adult and £22 for two adults for members, whilst non-members can pitch up for £26 for one adult and £37 for two adults. As with the above sites, kids under five are free and five to 17 year olds cost £1. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Ilminster Club Campsite Ilminster Club Campsite in Chard, Somerset is a great base to explore the natural beauty of Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Lyme Regis is just a stone's throw away from the site, and bird watchers will love the nature reserve at Chard Resevoir. 8 One caravan user loved the site so much she stayed there for three months, whilst another remarked that the park is perfectly situated off the A303. Pitches start from £15.50 for members and £30.50 for non members, with the same prices applying for children as with the other sites. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Plymouth Sound Club Campsite Plymouth Sound Club Campsite in Devon offers stunning sea views, and is perfectly located close to an abundance of stunning beaches. Situated near to the bustling city of Plymouth, caravan lovers can enjoy a visit to The National Marine Aquarium and the historic dockyard. 8 One customer was delighted by the caravan site's proximity to pubs, shops and public transport, whilst another marvelled that the site is extremely spacious, and packed with wildflowers. Pitches start from £11 for members and £26 for for non-members, and the same prices apply to kids as with the other site mentioned above. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Slinfold Club Campsite Slinfold Club Campsite, in Horsham, West Sussex is a hidden gem nestled at the end of a country lane. The nearby village of Slinfold hosts fete and flower festivals, with visitors treated to warm welcomes from locals. 8 One caravan owner marvelled at the campsites easy access to the Downs Link Pathway, which is perfect for cycling and dog walking, whilst another said that staff were eager to help them set up. This campsite is only open to members and is priced at £15.50 per night for one adult, or £21 per night for two adults. A family of four can enjoy a week's stay from just £161.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I ditched London's luxury hotels to camp on my car's roof - and was surprised by the results
It was my husband Marc's idea. He'd read about car roof tents being the next big camping trend and wanted to give it a go. But what's a roof tent? Visualise a tent that fixes to the top of a car and extends beyond it, providing a more spacious and elevated experience to a ground tent. They come in all shapes, sizes and levels of grandeur, with prices starting from £800. My husband's an outdoorsy, sleep-under-the-stars kind of guy. His wife prefers boutique hotels. But in every relationship there's give and take, so a few weeks later we arrive at East London 's Abbey Wood Club Campsite, near Greenwich, where James Lewis from the Caravan and Motorhome Club helps attach a roof tent to my Mini. Even petite cars can carry a roof tent. What matters more than size is the roof's surface. You don't want it to be too smooth because you'll need rails to fix the tent on to. As James attaches the boxed up tent onto bars he's screwed to my roof (this is a fiddly, half-hour-or-so process) he explains how roof tents have seen an explosion in popularity over the last five years. Some manufacturers have reported a 100% increase in sales in 2024, with no sign of interest slowing down. Why? Because Brits have become a nation of outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience it in style. A roof tent offers a superior and more robust living space to a ground tent. But what's it actually like to sleep in one? The one I'm road-testing is made by the Australian company ARB (roof tents are particularly popular down under) and is their new Esperance 2 model which sleeps three (two adults and a child) and retails at £2,469. Excitement builds once the box is fully fixed and ready to be opened. I unclip right and left; then tug on the ladder and voila. It's like magic. The tent erects in a remarkable ten seconds flat. Jo says: 'There's a comfortable, quilted, in-built mattress. There's also a window, sky roof and lights (powered by the car battery) to help see in the dark. It's like a canvas Crowne Plaza' Equally remarkable is climbing up that ladder to peek in. There's a comfortable, quilted, in-built mattress. There's also a window, sky roof and lights (powered by the car battery) to help see in the dark. It's like a canvas Crowne Plaza! In go pillows, sheets and duvets (brought with from home) and soon enough the top of my car's been transformed into a cosy boudoir. Sleeping quarters prepared, it's time for dinner. Abbey Wood's a great city bolthole. It feels like the countryside, but is on the Elizabeth Line and only a couple of stops into central London. So we hop on the tube to Tower Hill where I've booked a table for two at The Dickens Inn in St Katharine's Docks. It's a historic pub which was opened by the author's grandson in a neighbourhood Dickens frequently depicted in his novels. It's the perfect spot for a romantic meal and to toast our camping adventure. Creamy mushrooms on sourdough toast followed by grilled sea bass and fruit crumble are washed down with a bottle of Malbec and enjoyed at a table that overlooks Tower Bridge. Everything's delicious and sets us up nicely for the return journey. Contrary to expectations, I'm looking forward to snuggling up in that roof tent. It's warm and welcoming and even though I'd imagined tossing and turning, within seconds I've nodded off. It's the sound of rain that wakes me early morning, but even that isn't a dampener because here's where the benefit of being off the ground kicks in – you're more sheltered and insulated with zero risk of getting wet. And that's because a whole vehicle separates you from the lumpy, uneven, soggy soil below. And the tinkle of rain against the canvass proves strangely soporific. Within minutes I've been lulled back to sleep. There's something special about waking up to the trill of birdsong in a wood with nothing but a sliver of material between you and the outdoors. And being up on the roof means you get the same great view as if you were in a campervan or caravan, but for a fraction of the price. Over a cup of coffee my husband and I consider scarpering while the tent's still attached to my car - possession is nine-tenths of the law and all that. For ease of getting away in comfort, at the drop of a hat, a roof tent really does take camping to new heights.
