Practical Caravan October 2020

Last issue I mentioned how disappointed we were at Practical Caravan HQ that the October NEC show had been postponed; in fact, so many events have been cancelled this year across our industry that it feels as though we’ve really missed a whole season. With that in mind, we’re pleased to announce the launch of our new VanLive! Practical Caravan & Motorhome Virtual Show, to be held online from 12-18 October. You can find out more about it on p64, but suffice to say: join us and you’ll be able to see all the latest news from manufacturers, campsites and more, take part in brilliant competitions, and even claim your free goodie bag! Look out for our exclusive show coverage in the next issue of Practical Caravan. We’re so excited…

‘We used the bus into Douglas to explore the capital and ferry port. It’s an easy place to walk around, with a pedestrianised area and a number of interesting places to visit’ p38 Where are we? Douglas, Isle of Man Coordinates 54.1523° N, 4.4861° W Why tour here? Located in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a place of myth, legend and great beauty. It’s famous for the annual TT motorcycle races, but there is much more to see and do. When visitors are allowed to return, you can explore its unique culture and wonderful heritage. Don’t miss… The Great Laxey Wheel and mine trail, the Snaefell Mountain Railway and the Great Unión Camera Obscura. Photographer Getty images/benkrut…

Star letter You may be interested in a couple of tips. The first is very simple; the second is more technical but saves a lot of bother! First, storage for beakers in caravans is often simply one above the other. If you prefer ceramic or glass, an ex coffee jar lid makes a good separator to prevent damage. This can be cut to clear the handle. Second, to avoid having to change to the spare Aquaroll in the rain or at night, a motorhome filler pump can be arranged with a switch inside the van to transfer water from the spare to the main barrel. It’s best if the socket is protected inside a box as it needs to be connected for the duration of your stay. The supply should…

Never mind the weather! Sunshine or showers, it’s great to be back out on the road, and enjoying the pleasures of some gorgeous staycation destinations TAG US #PRACTICAL CARAVAN OR EMAIL LETTERS@PRACTICALCARAVAN.COM…

Weeygo retractable table tennis net Play ping pong on the go – this retractable table tennis net can easily be set up to fit most tables, so you can have fun on the fly! Price £8.99 Web www.amazon.co.uk Crotec Festival Trolley Use at festivals, the beach or the park for tired kids, pets, picnic gear or shopping. Children can sleep comfortably in the shade while you enjoy the day. Price £149.99 Web kidscampingstore.com Hario V60 coffee-maker This easy-to-use single-cup coffee-maker in light plastic makes great coffee! Paper filters £5.50 per 100, reusables £12 for three. Price £8 Web www.hario.co.uk Quecha portable shelter Take this Quecha lightweight sun and wind shelter on walks and you’ll have plenty of cover wherever you stop for lunch. Price £12.99 Web www.decathlon.co.uk Garmin Fenix 6…

WHERE IS BEST FOR A SHORT BREAK? Q We’re new to caravanning this year, but have taken the plunge and bought a lovely secondhand van. Where would you recommend for our first weekend test trip?Carol Davidson Paul Critcher replies… Based in the West Midlands, you have easy access to some truly fantastic beauty spots relatively nearby. You probably don’t want to go too far on a test run, so I’dsuggest a couple of destinations that are quite close – the Gower,in Wales, and North Devon. The stunningly beautiful Gower Peninsula (www.visitswanseabay.com/destinations/gower-peninsula) can easily be accessed from the M4 and isjust a short hop from Swansea. Perfect for beach-lovers, it’s also home to the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and if you like walking,there are some fabulous trails.…