Practical Caravan May 2023

Did you get to see the Northern Lights recently? Many of us across the UK, including as far as the south coast, were fortunate enough to witness this wonderful phenomenon in late February, thanks to ideal conditions here on our shores. Which just goes to show, you don't need to travel far and wide across Europe to witness something magical – we have so much to love right here. It's with this in mind that we produce our Top 100 Sites Guide each year – and you're sure to have noticed your copy with this issue of Practical Caravan. The 2023 guide is the biggest and best we've ever published, and we're sure you'll love it – as well as the best UK sites, you'll find a fantastic competition, great…

THE BIG SHOT DERWENT Where are we? Derwent Dam, Derbyshire Why tour here? Set in the beautiful Peak District, the UK's first National Park, Derwent is one of three reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley. The site was famously used by 617 Squadron in preparation for the Dam Buster raids of Operation Chastise, a scene recreated in this photograph using vintage Lancaster bombers. Don't miss… Make for a high point, such as Pike Low, to view the full extent of the reservoir and dam. Photograph Robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo ‘We drove to the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre to take a look at the water gushing over the Derwent Dam Wall’ (p28)…

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/practicalcaravan Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/pcaravan for the latest news and events Email your letters and photos to letters@practicalcaravan.com Write to us at 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 6JR Star letter Those were the days! Looking through some old photographs, I found a postcard (below) of the caravan site on Trunch Lane, in Chapel St Leonards, near Skegness. I think it was taken in early 1950. When my wife and I were young children, both our families visited this campsite most years. Our dads worked at a large engineering factory in Grantham and hired caravans from work colleagues, who had built them out of wood and plywood. The inside walls were made of hardboard and painted. There were also some old railway carriages…

Who are you? John Kilby, Chairman of the Lunar Owners Club. I live in Portsmouth with my wife, Lesley, and we own a 2016 Lunar Clubman SI. What's the Lunar Owners Club? It's a social club for owners of Lunar caravans and motorhomes. Being a member allows attendance at any of our regular rallies (usually limited to a maximum of 20 units) in the UK, together with an annual rally (in June) somewhere in Europe, which we are really looking forward to. We also have a rally and Annual General Meeting in September. Who can join? Anyone who is currently an owner of a Lunar caravan or motorhome. Where do you go? Last year, we held club rallies at Harrogate and Herne Bay, and in Somerset for the Carnival Parades.…

TALK CONNECT We'd love to hear from you – here are just some of the ways you can contribute SEND US YOUR LETTERS We want to hear your thoughts about the magazine and your own experiences of caravanning. Star Letter wins a pair of Grand Aero towing mirrors SHARE YOUR PHOTOS Family fun, pets on site, touring landmarks, your caravan – we'd love to see your photos! Star Photo wins an Awesome Map WRITE A LOCAL AUTHORITY Share your local knowledge by writing about the places you know best. We pay for every one we publish. Email your suggested destination and if we'd like to include it, we'll let you know what's next. We pay £100 per article SEND IN A FEATURE Got a story you'd like to share? Send…

IT'S GREAT TO SEE the publication of our Top 100 Sites Guide 2023. It always feels like the very start of the season when the guide comes out, providing ideas and inspiration for the forthcoming year of touring. And it looks as though it will be another busy year for campsites – the cost of living crisis is sure to have an impact on travel plans, with many people choosing to holiday in the UK this year. They will be spoiled for choice – as this year's guide reveals, there are some fantastic sites, but do book early to avoid disappointment. You can see this year's full results in our Top 100 Sites Guide 2023, produced in association with Raleigh, and you'll find your copy of the guide with this…