Practical Caravan July 2022

We know many PC readers – and the team here at PC HQ – are life-long caravanners: they started our fantastic pastime with their families during childhood, and haven’t stopped since. But things have certainly changed over the years. I recall our first caravan having foot pump-operated water, no fridge and an awning that seemed to weigh more than the van. Touring has (thankfully) evolved since then, of course, but it’s always fun to look back with nostalgia at the caravanning lifestyle of yesteryear. So be sure to see our ‘Trip to the past’ article on p36, in which we feature 10 photographs of campsites over recent decades. From toilet tents to the first site shops, it’s all there. And the great news is, nearly all of the sites in the…

‘While we were away, I said I’d love to do the South West Coast Path. I wanted to find hidden gems and show off the places that are not so well known’ (p34) Where are we? Tintagel Castle, North Cornwall Why tour here? This wonderful castle, set on the clifftops of the north Cornwall coast, is matched in beauty by its natural surroundings. This place of myths and legends is also said to be where King Arthur was conceived. Enjoy exploring the ruins of the 13th-century castle or seek out the remains of Tintagel’s early medieval settlement in the fifth century. Read more about destinations along the South West Coast Path on p34. Don’t miss… The remarkable new bridge with 360-degree views. Photographer Getty Images…

We know many PC readers – and the team here at PC HQ – are life-long caravanners: they started our fantastic pastime with their families during childhood, and haven’t stopped since. But things have certainly changed over the years. I recall our first caravan having foot pump-operated water, no fridge and an awning that seemed to weigh more than the van. Touring has (thankfully) evolved since then, of course, but it’s always fun to look back with nostalgia at the caravanning lifestyle of yesteryear. So be sure to see our ‘Trip to the past’ article on p36, in which we feature 10 photographs of campsites over recent decades. From toilet tents to the first site shops, it’s all there. And the great news is, nearly all of the sites in…

‘While we were away, I said I’d love to do the South West Coast Path. I wanted to find hidden gems and show off the places that are not so well known’ (p34) Where are we? Tintagel Castle, North Cornwall Why tour here? This wonderful castle, set on the clifftops of the north Cornwall coast, is matched in beauty by its natural surroundings. This place of myths and legends is also said to be where King Arthur was conceived. Enjoy exploring the ruins of the 13th-century castle or seek out the remains of Tintagel’s early medieval settlement in the fifth century. Read more about destinations along the South West Coast Path on p34. Don’t miss… The remarkable new bridge with 360-degree views. Photographer Getty Images…

Thirty-five years on from last owning a caravan, we proved a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. In our case, not so much dangerous, just expensive! If only we had started buying Practical Caravan before buying a van. One very expensive mistake made, we moved on and thanks to your hints, tips and advice, found another caravan that was right for us. We now have an outfit that suits us perfectly – a 2019 Lunar Ariva and 2021 Dacia Duster tow car. It meets our budget, fulfils our needs and gives us good accommodation and a vehicle we can park without difficulty in town centre car parks. Going forward, we will keep buying Practical Caravan, if for no other reason than that the maintenance tips will save us more than the cost…

YOU ALSO SAID... WHAT ABOUT FAMILY SITES? We’ve been a touring family since 2020, when we bought our fantastic Sterling Eccles 2010 Emerald caravan, and since then have enjoyed some wonderful family adventures at places across the UK. Since buying our caravan, I have also enjoyed reading your magazine every month. I especially enjoy your free supplement, the Top 100 Sites Guide, but this is the second year on the trot that I have been left disappointed by your overall winner. With secondhand caravan prices and sales going through the roof, you continue to select adults-only campsites as winners, with Eye Kettleby Lakes last year and Old Oaks Touring Park this year. I’m sure both are well deserved, but you and they exclude families. This leaves me feeling disappointed at…